Liquid-crystalline medium

ABSTRACT

Liquid-crystalline media having one or more compounds of formula C 
                         
and high-frequency components containing these media, especially microwave components for high-frequency devices, such as devices for shifting the phase of microwaves, tunable filters, tunable metamaterial structures, and electronic beam steering antennas (e.g. phased array antennas).

The present invention relates to liquid-crystalline media and to high-frequency components comprising these media, especially microwave components for high-frequency devices, such as devices for shifting the phase of microwaves, tunable filters, tunable metamaterial structures, and electronic beam steering antennas (e.g. phased array antennas).

Liquid-crystalline media have been used for many years in electro-optical displays (liquid crystal displays: LCDs) in order to display information. More recently, however, liquid-crystalline media have also been proposed for use in components for microwave technology, such as, for example, in DE 10 2004 029 429 A and in JP 2005-120208 (A).

As a typical microwave application, the concept of the inverted microstrip line as described by K. C. Gupta, R. Garg, I. Bahl and P. Bhartia: Microstrip Lines and Slotlines, 2^(nd) ed., Artech House, Boston, 1996, is employed, for example, in D. Dolfi, M. Labeyrie, P. Joffre and J. P. Huignard: Liquid Crystal Microwave Phase Shifter. Electronics Letters, Vol. 29, No. 10, pp. 926-928, May 1993, N. Martin, N. Tentillier, P. Laurent, B. Splingart, F. Huert, Ph. Gelin, C. Legrand: Electrically Microwave Tunable Components Using Liquid Crystals. 32^(nd) European Microwave Conference, pp. 393-396, Milan 2002, or in Weil, C.: Passiv steuerbare Mikrowellenphasenschieber auf der Basis nichtlinearer Dielektrika [Passively Controllable Microwave Phase Shifters based on Nonlinear Dielectrics], Darmstädter Dissertationen D17, 2002, C. Weil, G. Lüssem, and R. Jakoby: Tunable Invert-Microstrip Phase Shifter Device Using Nematic Liquid Crystals, IEEE MTTS Int. Microw. Symp., Seattle, Wash., June 2002, pp. 367-370, together with the commercial liquid crystal K15 from Merck KGaA. C. Weil, G. Lissem, and R. Jakoby: Tunable Invert-Microstrip Phase Shifter Device Using Nematic Liquid Crystals, IEEE MTT-S Int. Microw. Symp., Seattle, Wash., June 2002, pp. 367-370, achieve phase shifter qualities of 12°/dB at 10 GHz with a control voltage of about 40 V therewith. The insertion losses of the LC, i.e. the losses caused only by the polarisation losses in the liquid crystal, are given as approximately 1 to 2 dB at 10 GHz in Weil, C.: Passiv steuerbare Mikrowellenphasenschieber auf der Basis nichtlinearer Dielektrika [Passively Controllable Microwave Phase Shifters based on Nonlinear Dielectrics], Darmstädter Dissertationen D17, 2002. In addition, it has been determined that the phase shifter losses are determined primarily by the dielectric LC losses and the losses at the waveguide junctions. T. Kuki, H. Fujikake, H. Kamoda and T. Nomoto: Microwave Variable Delay Line Using a Membrane Impregnated with Liquid Crystal. IEEE MTT-S Int. Microwave Symp. Dig. 2002, pp. 363-366, June 2002, and T. Kuki, H. Fujikake, T. Nomoto: Microwave Variable Delay Line Using Dual-Frequency Switching-Mode Liquid Crystal. IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory Tech., Vol. 50, No. 11, pp. 2604-2609, November 2002, also address the use of polymerised LC films and dual-frequency switching-mode liquid crystals in combination with planar phase shifter arrangements.

A. Penirschke, S. Müller, P. Scheele, C. Weil, M. Wittek, C. Hock and R. Jakoby: “Cavity Perturbation Method for Characterization of Liquid Crystals up to 35 GHz”, 34^(th) European Microwave Conference—Amsterdam, pp. 545-548 describe, inter alia, the properties of the known single liquid-crystalline substance K15 (Merck KGaA, Germany) at a frequency of 9 GHz.

A. Gaebler, F. Goelden, S. Müller, A. Penirschke and R. Jakoby “Direct Simulation of Material Permittivities using an Eigen-Susceptibility Formulation of the Vector Variational Approach”, 12MTC 2009—International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference, Singapore, 2009 (IEEE), pp. 463-467, describe the corresponding properties of the known liquid-crystal mixture E7 (likewise Merck KGaA, Germany).

DE 10 2004 029 429 A describes the use of liquid-crystal media in microwave technology, inter alia in phase shifters. Therein, liquid-crystalline media with respect to their properties in the corresponding frequency range have been discussed and liquid-crystalline media based on mixtures of mostly aromatic nitriles and isothiocyanates have been shown. In EP 2 982 730 A1, mixtures are described that completely consist of isothiocyanate compounds. However, these compositions are all still afflicted with several disadvantages as for example high dielectric loss or inadequate phase shift or inadequate material quality, resulting in limited performance in devices operating in the microwave regime. Further it is required to improve these media with respect to their general physical properties, such as, the clearing point, the phase range, especially their storage stability at low temperatures, and their viscosities, in particular their rotational viscosity.

The known devices for high frequency-technology comprising these media do still lack sufficient stability and, in particular, fast response.

For these applications, liquid-crystalline media having particular, hitherto rather unusual and uncommon properties or combinations of properties are required.

In particular, the dielectric loss in the microwave region must be reduced and the material quality (η, also known as “figure of merit” (FoM) i.e., a high tunability and a low dielectric loss) must be improved. Apart from these requirements the focus must increasingly be directed to improved response times especially for those devices using planar structures such as e.g. phase shifters and leaky antennas.

In addition, there is a steady demand for an improvement in the low-temperature behaviour of the components. Both an improvement in the operating properties at low temperatures and also in the shelf life are necessary here. Especially upon cooling, the formation of smectic phases or crystallisation is undesired and may even lead to the destruction of a display device. The existence of a nematic phase without formation of smectic phases or crystallisation at low temperatures and over a period of time sufficient for the operation of a device is referred to as low temperature stability (LTS).

Therefore, there is a considerable demand for liquid-crystalline media having suitable properties for corresponding practical applications.

Surprisingly, it has been found that it is possible to achieve liquid-crystalline media having a high dielectric anisotropy, suitably fast switching times, a suitable, nematic phase range, high tunability and low dielectric loss, which do not have the disadvantages of the prior-art materials, or at least only do so to a considerably reduced extent, by using compounds of formula C below. The liquid-crystalline media are further distinguished by a very good LTS.

The present invention relates to liquid-crystalline media comprising one or more compounds of formula C

-   in which -   R^(C) denotes H, unfluorinated alkyl or unfluorinated alkoxy having     1 to 12 C atoms, or unfluorinated alkenyl, unfluorinated alkenyloxy     or unfluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 12 C atoms, in which one or     more CH₂-groups may be replaced by

-   L^(C1), L^(C2) identically or differently, denote H, Cl or F,     preferably H or F, -   R^(C1), R^(C2), R^(C3) -   R^(C4), R^(C5), and R^(C6) identically or differently, denote H, Cl,     F or alky having 1 to 6 C atoms, or cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl or     cyclopentyl; -   and -   one or more compounds selected from the group of compounds of     formulae I, II and III,

-   in which -   R¹ denotes H, unfluorinated alkyl or unfluorinated alkoxy having 1     to 17, preferably 3 to 10 C atoms, or unfluorinated alkenyl,     unfluorinated alkenyloxy or unfluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to     15, preferably 3 to 10, C atoms, in which one or more CH₂-groups may     be replaced by

-   -   preferably unfluorinated alkyl or unfluorinated alkenyl,

-   n is 0, 1 or 2,

-   -   on each occurrence, independently of one another, denote

-   -   -   in which R^(L), on each occurrence, identically or             differently, denotes H or alkyl having 1 to 6 C atoms,             preferably H, methyl or ethyl, particularly preferably H,         -   and wherein

-   -   -   alternatively denotes

-   -   -   preferably

-   -   and in case n=2, one of

-   -    preferably denotes

-   -   and the other preferably denotes

-   Preferably

-   -   independently of one another, denote

-   more preferably

-   -   denotes

-   -   denotes

-   -   denotes

-   R² denotes H, unfluorinated alkyl or unfluorinated alkoxy having 1     to 17, preferably 3 to 10 C atoms, or unfluorinated alkenyl,     unfluorinated alkenyloxy or unfluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to     15, preferably 3 to 10, C atoms, in which one or more CH₂-groups may     be replaced by

-   -   preferably unfluorinated alkyl or unfluorinated alkenyl,

-   Z²¹ denotes trans-CH═CH—, trans-CF═CF— or —C≡C—, preferably —C≡C— or     trans-CH═CH—,

-   -   independently of one another, denote

-   -   -   in which R^(L), on each occurrence, identically or             differently, denotes H or alkyl having 1 to 6 C atoms,             preferably H, methyl or ethyl, particularly preferably H,         -   and wherein

-   preferably

-   -   independently of one another, denote

-   -   preferably denotes

-   -   preferably denotes

-   -   more preferably

-   R³ denotes H, unfluorinated alkyl or unfluorinated alkoxy having 1     to 17, preferably 3 to 10 C atoms, or unfluorinated alkenyl,     unfluorinated alkenyloxy or unfluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to     15, preferably 3 to 10, C atoms, in which one or more CH₂-groups may     be replaced by

-   -   preferably unfluorinated alkyl or unfluorinated alkenyl,

-   one of Z³¹ and Z³², preferably Z³²; denotes trans-CH═CH—,     trans-CF═CF— or —C≡C— and the other one, independently thereof,     denotes —C≡C—, trans-CH═CH—, trans-CF═CF— or a single bond,     preferably one of them, preferably Z³²; denotes —C≡C— or     trans-CH═CH— and the other denotes a single bond, and

-   -   independently of one another, denote

-   -   -   in which R^(L), on each occurrence, identically or             differently, denotes H or alkyl having 1 to 6 C atoms,             preferably H, methyl or ethyl, particularly preferably H,         -   and wherein

-   -   alternatively independently denotes

-   preferably

-   -   independently of one another, denote

-   more preferably

-   -   denotes

-   -   denotes

-   -    and     -   more preferably

-   -   denotes

-   -   more preferably

In the compounds of formulae I, II and III R^(L) preferably denotes H.

In another preferred embodiment, in the compounds of formulae I, II and III, one or two groups R^(L), preferably one group R^(L) is different from H.

The media according to the present invention are distinguished by a high clearing temperature and broad nematic phase range. As a result, devices containing the media are operable under extreme temperature conditions.

The media are further distinguished by high values of the dielectric anisotropy and a low rotational viscosities. As a result, the threshold voltage, i.e. the minimum voltage at which a device is switchable, is very low. A low operating voltage and low threshold voltage is desired in order to enable a device having improved switching characteristics and high energy efficiency. Low rotational viscosities enable fast switching of the devices according to the invention.

The media according to the present invention are distinguished by low dielectric loss and high tunability, resulting in a high material quality (1).

These properties as a whole make the media particularly suitable for use in components and devices for high-frequency technology and applications in the microwave range, in particular devices for shifting the phase of microwaves, tunable filters, tunable metamaterial structures, and electronic beam steering antennas (e.g. phased array antennas).

The media according to the invention are likewise suitable for the use in liquid crystal displays, in liquid crystal lenses and in liquid crystal wavefront correctors.

A further object of the present invention provides components operable in the microwave region of the electromagnetic spectrum and devices comprising said components.

Preferred components are phase shifters, varactors, wireless and radio wave antenna arrays, matching circuits, adaptive filters and others.

Halogen is F, Cl, Br or I, preferably F or Cl, particularly preferably F.

In case R^(F) denotes a halogenated alkyl-, alkoxy-, alkenyl or alkenyloxy it can be branched or unbranched. Preferably it is unbranched and has 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 C atoms, in case of alkenyl 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 C atoms. R^(F) preferably denotes CN, NCS, Cl, F, —(CH₂)_(n)—CH═CF₂, —(CH₂)_(n)—CH═CHF, —(CH₂)_(n)—CH═Cl₂, —C_(n)F_(2n+1), —(CF₂)_(n)—CF₂H, —(CH₂)_(n)—CF₃, —(CH₂)_(n)CHF₂, —(CH₂)_(n)CH₂F, —CH═CF₂, —O(CH₂)_(n)—CH═CF₂, —O(CH₂)_(n)CHCl₂, —OC_(n)F_(2n+1), —O(CF₂)_(n)—CF₂H, —O(CH₂)_(n)CF₃, —O(CH₂)_(n)—CHF₂, —O(CF)_(n)CH₂F, —OCF═CF₂, —SC_(n)F_(2n+1), —S(CF)_(n)—CF₃, wherein n is an integer from 0 to 7.

Preferably, the compounds of formula C are selected from the group of compounds of the formulae C-1 to C-12

-   in which -   R^(C) has one of the meanings indicated above for formula C and     preferably denotes unfluorinated alkyl or unfluorinated alkenyl     having 2 to 6 C atoms, in which one or more CH₂-groups may be     replaced by

Very particularly preferred compounds of formula C are selected from the compounds of the formulae C-3-1 to C-3-10:

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the compounds of formula I are selected from the group of compounds of the formulae I-1 to I-5:

-   in which L¹, L² and L³, on each occurrence, identically or     differently, denote H or F, and the other groups have the respective     meanings indicated above for formula I, and preferably -   R¹ denotes unfluorinated alkyl having 1 to 7 C atoms or     unfluorinated alkenyl having 2 to 7 C atoms.

The media preferably comprise one or more compounds of formula I-1, which are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae I-1a to I-1f, preferably of formula I-1b or I-1f:

-   in which R¹ has the meaning indicated above for formula I and     preferably denotes unfluorinated alkyl having 1 to 7 C atoms or     unfluorinated alkenyl having 2 to 7 C atoms.

The media according to the invention preferably comprise one or more compounds of formula I-2, which are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae I-2a to I-2e, preferably of formula I-2c:

-   in which R¹ has the meaning indicated above for formula I and     preferably denotes unfluorinated alkyl having 1 to 7 C atoms or     unfluorinated alkenyl having 2 to 7 C atoms.

The media according to the invention preferably comprise one or more compounds of formula I-3, which are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae I-3a to I-3d, particularly preferably of formula I-3b:

-   in which R¹ has the meaning indicated above for formula I and     preferably denotes unfluorinated alkyl having 1 to 7 C atoms or     unfluorinated alkenyl having 2 to 7 C atoms.

The media according to the invention preferably comprise one or more compounds of formula I-4, which are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae I-4a to I-4d, particularly preferably of formula I-4b:

-   in which R¹ has the meaning indicated above for formula I and     preferably denotes unfluorinated alkyl having 1 to 7 C atoms or     unfluorinated alkenyl having 2 to 7 C atoms.

The media preferably comprise one or more compounds of formula I-5, which are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae I-5a to I-5d, particularly preferably of formula I-5b:

-   in which R¹ has the meaning indicated above for formula I and     preferably denotes unfluorinated alkyl having 1 to 7 C atoms or     unfluorinated alkenyl having 2 to 7 C atoms.

The media preferably comprise one or more compounds of formula II, which are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae II-1 to II-3, preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae II-1 and II-2:

-   in which the parameters have the meanings given under formula II     above and preferably -   R² denotes H, unfluorinated alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 7 C atoms or     unfluorinated alkenyl having 2 to 7 C atoms, -   and one of

-   -   denotes

-   -   and the other, independently denotes

-   -   -   preferably

-   -   -   most preferably

-   and preferably -   R² denotes C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   n denotes an integer in the range from 0 to 15, preferably in the     range from 1 to 7 and particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The compounds of formula II-1 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae II-1a to II-1e:

-   in which -   R² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   n independently of one another, denote an integer in the range from     0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and particularly     preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The compounds of formula I-2 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae I-2a and II-2b:

-   in which -   R² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), -   n denotes an integer in the range from 0 to 15, preferably in the     range from 1 to 7 and particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The compounds of formula II-3 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae II-3a to II-3d:

-   in which -   R² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), -   n denotes an integer in the range from 0 to 15, preferably in the     range from 1 to 7 and particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The compounds of formula III are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae III-1 to III-6, more preferably of the formulae selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae III-1, III-2, III-3 and III-4, and particularly preferably of formula III-1:

-   in which -   Z³¹ and Z³² independently of one another denote trans-CH═CH— or     trans-CF═CF—, preferably trans-CH═CH—, and in formula III-6     alternatively one of Z³¹ and Z³² may denote —C≡C— and the other     groups have the meanings given above under formula III, -   and preferably -   R³ denotes H, unfluorinated alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 7 C atoms or     unfluorinated alkenyl having 2 to 7 C atoms, -   and one of

-    preferably

-    denotes

-    preferably

-   -   and the others, independently of one another, denote

-   -   -   preferably

-   -   -   more preferably

-   and preferably -   R³ denotes C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), -   n denotes an integer in the range from 0 to 15, preferably in the     range from 1 to 7 and particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The compounds of formula III-1 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae III-1a to III-1f, more preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae III-1a and III-1 b, particularly preferably of formula III-1 b:

-   in which -   R³ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), -   n denotes an integer in the range from 0 to 15, preferably in the     range from 1 to 7 and particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The compounds of formula III-2 are preferably compounds of formula III-2a to III-2h:

-   in which -   R³ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), -   n denotes an integer in the range from 0 to 15, preferably in the     range from 1 to 7 and particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The compounds of formula III-5 are preferably selected from the compounds of formula III-5a:

-   R³ has the meaning indicated above for formula III-5 and preferably     denotes C_(n)H_(2n+1), in which -   n denotes an integer in the range from 0 to 7, preferably in the     range from 1 to 5.

In a preferred embodiment, the media according to the invention comprise one or more compounds selected from the group of compounds of the formulae IIA-1 to IIA-12, very preferably IIA-1 or IIA-2:

-   in which -   R¹ denotes alkyl or alkenyl having up to 7 C atoms, preferably     ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl or n-pentyl, n-hexyl, -   R^(L) on each occurrence, the same or differently, denotes alkyl or     alkenyl having 1 to 5 C atoms, or cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl each     having 3 to 6 C atoms,     -   preferably methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, isopropyl,         cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl or cyclopent-1-enyl, very         preferably ethyl.

In a preferred embodiment, the medium according to the invention comprises one or more compounds of formula T

-   in which -   R^(T) denotes halogen, CN, NCS, R^(F), R^(F)—O— or R^(F)—S—, wherein     R^(F) denotes fluorinated alkyl or fluorinated alkenyl having up to     12 C atoms,

-   -   on each occurrence, independently of one another, denote

-   -   preferably

-   L¹ and L² identically or differently, denote Cl, F, alkyl having 1     to 6 C atoms or cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl or cyclopentyl, preferably     F, and -   t is 0, 1 or 2, preferably 1.

Preferably, the one or more compounds of formula T are selected from the group of compounds of the formulae T-1 and T-2,

-   in which

-    have the meanings given above for formula T, and -   n is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, preferably 1, 2, 3 or 4, particularly     preferably 1.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention the media comprise one or more compounds of formula T-1.

Preferred compounds of formula T-1 are selected from the group of compounds of the following sub-formulae:

-   in which n is 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1.

In another particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention the media comprise one or more compounds of formula T-2.

Preferred compounds of formula T-2 are selected from the group of compounds of the following sub-formulae:

-   in which n is 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 1.

Additionally, the liquid-crystalline media according to the present invention in a certain embodiment, which may be the same or different from the previous preferred embodiments preferably comprise one or more compounds of formula IV,

-   in which s is 0 or 1, preferably 1,

-   -   denotes

-   preferably

-   particularly preferably

-   L⁴ denotes H or alkyl having 1 to 6 C atoms, cycloalkyl having 3 to     6 C atoms or cycloalkenyl having 4 to 6 C atoms, preferably CH₃,     C₂H₅, n-C₃H₇, i-C₃H₇, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclohexyl,     cyclopent-1-enyl or cyclohex-1-enyl, and particularly preferably     CH₃, C₂H₅, cyclopropyl or cyclobutyl, -   X⁴ denotes H, alkyl having 1 to 3 C atoms or halogen, preferably H,     F or Cl, and more preferably H or F and particularly preferably F, -   R⁴¹ to R⁴⁴, independently of one another, denote unfluorinated alkyl     or unfluorinated alkoxy, each having 1 to 15 C atoms, unfluorinated     alkenyl, unfluorinated alkenyloxy or unfluorinated alkoxyalkyl, each     having 2 to 15 C atoms, or cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl,     cycloalkenyl, alkylcycloalkenyl, alkylcycloalkylalkyl or     alkylcycloalkenylalkyl, each having up to 15 C atoms, and     alternatively one of R⁴³ and R⁴⁴ or both also denote H, -   preferably -   R⁴¹ and R⁴², independently of one another, denote unfluorinated     alkyl or unfluorinated alkoxy, each having 1 to 7 C atoms, or     unfluorinated alkenyl, unfluorinated alkenyloxy or unfluorinated     alkoxyalkyl, each having 2 to 7 C atoms, -   particularly preferably -   R⁴¹ denotes unfluorinated alkyl having 1 to 7 C atoms or     unfluorinated alkenyl, unfluorinated alkenyloxy or unfluorinated     alkoxyalkyl, each having 2 to 7 C atoms, and -   particularly preferably -   R⁴² denotes unfluorinated alkyl or unfluorinated alkoxy, each having     1 to 7 C atoms, and -   preferably -   R⁴³ and R⁴⁴ denote H, unfluorinated alkyl having 1 to 5 C atoms,     unfluorinated cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl having 3 to 7 C atoms,     unfluorinated alkylcyclohexyl or unfluorinated cyclohexylalkyl, each     having 4 to 12 C atoms, or unfluorinated alkylcyclohexylalkyl having     5 to 15 C atoms, particularly preferably cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl or     cyclohexyl, and very particularly preferably at least one of R⁴³ and     R⁴⁴ denotes n-alkyl, particularly preferably methyl, ethyl or     n-propyl, and the other denotes H or n-alkyl, particularly     preferably H, methyl, ethyl or n-propyl.

In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the liquid-crystal medium additionally comprises one or more compounds selected from the group of compounds of the formulae V, VI, VII, VIII and IX:

-   in which -   L⁵¹ denotes R⁵¹ or X⁵¹, defined below -   L⁵² denotes R⁵² or X⁵², defined below -   R⁵¹ and R⁵², independently of one another, denote H, unfluorinated     alkyl or unfluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 17, preferably 3 to 10, C     atoms or unfluorinated alkenyl, unfluorinated alkenyloxy or     unfluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 15, preferably 3 to 10, C     atoms, preferably alkyl or unfluorinated alkenyl, -   X⁵¹ and X⁵², independently of one another, denote H, F, Cl, —CN,     SF₅, fluorinated alkyl or fluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 7 C atoms     or fluorinated alkenyl, fluorinated alkenyloxy or fluorinated     alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 7 C atoms, preferably fluorinated alkoxy,     fluorinated alkenyloxy, F or Cl, and

-   -   independently of one another, denote

-   -   -   preferably

-   L⁶¹ denotes R⁶¹ defined below and, in the case where Z⁶¹ and/or Z⁶²     denote trans-CH═CH— or trans-CF═CF—, alternatively also denotes X⁶¹     defined below, -   L⁶² denotes R⁶² defined below and, in the case where Z⁶¹ and/or Z⁶²     denote trans-CH═CH— or trans-CF═CF—, alternatively also denotes X⁶²     defined below, -   R⁶¹ and R⁶², independently of one another, denote H, unfluorinated     alkyl or unfluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 17, preferably 3 to 10, C     atoms or unfluorinated alkenyl, unfluorinated alkenyloxy or     unfluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 15, preferably 3 to 10, C     atoms, preferably alkyl or unfluorinated alkenyl, -   X⁶¹ and X⁶², independently of one another, denote F or Cl, —CN, SF₅,     fluorinated alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 7 C atoms or fluorinated     alkenyl, alkenyloxy or alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 7 C atoms, -   one of -   Z⁶¹ and Z⁶² denotes trans-CH═CH—, trans-CF═CF— or —C≡C— and the     other, independently thereof, denotes trans-CH═CH—, trans-CF═CF— or     a single bond, preferably one of them denotes —C≡C— or trans-CH═CH—     and the other denotes a single bond, and

-   -   independently of one another, denote

-   -   -   preferably

-   and -   x denotes 0 or 1; -   L⁷¹ denotes R⁷¹ or X⁷¹ defined below, -   L⁷² denotes R⁷² or X⁷² defined below, -   R⁷¹ and R⁷², independently of one another, denote H, unfluorinated     alkyl or unfluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 17, preferably 3 to 10, C     atoms or unfluorinated alkenyl, unfluorinated alkenyloxy or     unfluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 15, preferably 3 to 10, C     atoms, preferably alkyl or unfluorinated alkenyl, -   X⁷¹ and X⁷², independently of one another, denote H, F, Cl, —CN,     —NCS, —SF₅, fluorinated alkyl or fluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 7 C     atoms or fluorinated alkenyl, unfluorinated or fluorinated     alkenyloxy or unfluorinated or fluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 7     C atoms, preferably fluorinated alkoxy, fluorinated alkenyloxy, F or     Cl, and -   Z⁷¹ to Z⁷³, independently of one another, denote trans-CH═CH—,     trans-CF═CF—, —C≡C— or a single bond, preferably one or more of them     denote a single bond, particularly preferably all denote a single     bond and

-   -   independently of one another, denote

-   -   -   preferably

-   R⁸¹ and R⁸², independently of one another, denote H, unfluorinated     alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 15, preferably 3 to 10, C atoms or     unfluorinated alkenyl, alkenyloxy or alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 15,     preferably 3 to 10, C atoms, preferably unfluorinated alkyl or     alkenyl, -   one of -   Z⁸¹ and Z⁸² denotes trans-CH═CH—, trans-CF═CF— or —C≡C— and the     other, independently thereof, denotes trans-CH═CH—, trans-CF═CF— or     a single bond, preferably one of them denotes —C≡C— or trans-CH═CH—     and the other denotes a single bond, and

-   -   denotes

-   -   independently of one another, denote

-   L⁹¹ denotes R⁹¹ or X⁹¹ defined below, -   L⁹² denotes R⁹² or X⁹² defined below, -   R⁹¹ and R⁹², independently of one another, denote H, unfluorinated     alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 15, preferably 3 to 10, C atoms or     unfluorinated alkenyl, alkenyloxy or alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 15,     preferably 3 to 10, C atoms, preferably unfluorinated alkyl or     alkenyl, -   X⁹¹ and X⁹², independently of one another, denote H, F, Cl, —CN,     —NCS, —SF₅, fluorinated alkyl or fluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 7 C     atoms or fluorinated alkenyl, unfluorinated or fluorinated     alkenyloxy or unfluorinated or fluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 7     C atoms, preferably fluorinated alkoxy, fluorinated alkenyloxy, F or     Cl, and -   Z⁹¹ to Z⁹³, independently of one another, denote trans-CH═CH—,     trans-CF═CF—, —C≡C— or a single bond, preferably one or more of them     denotes a single bond, and particularly preferably all denote a     single bond,

-   -   denotes

-   -   independently of one another, denote

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the liquid-crystal medium comprises one or more compounds of the formula V, preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae V-1 to V-3, preferably of the formulae V-1 and/or V-2 and/or V-3, preferably of the formulae V-1 and V-2:

-   in which the parameters have the respective meanings indicated above     for formula V and preferably -   R⁵¹ denotes unfluorinated alkyl having 1 to 7 C atoms or     unfluorinated alkenyl having 2 to 7 C atoms, -   R⁵² denotes unfluorinated alkyl having 1 to 7 C atoms or     unfluorinated alkenyl having 2 to 7 C atoms or unfluorinated alkoxy     having 1 to 7 C atoms, -   X⁵¹ and X⁵², independently of one another, denote F, Cl, —OCF₃,     —CF₃, —CN or —SF₅, preferably F, Cl, —OCF₃ or —CN.

The compounds of the formula V-1 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae V-1a to V-1d, preferably V-1c and V-1d:

-   in which the parameters have the respective meanings indicated above     for formula V-1 and in which -   Y⁵¹ and Y⁵², in each case independently of one another, denote H or     F, and preferably -   R⁵¹ denotes alkyl or alkenyl, and -   X⁵¹ denotes F, Cl or —OCF₃.

The compounds of the formula V-2 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae V-2a to V-2e and/or from the group of the compounds of the formulae V-2f and V-2g:

-   where in each case the compounds of the formula V-2a are excluded     from the compounds of the formulae V-2b and V-2c, the compounds of     the formula V-2b are excluded from the compounds of the formula V-2c     and the compounds of the formula V-2e are excluded from the     compounds of the formula V-2g, and -   in which the parameters have the respective meanings indicated above     for formula V-1 and in which -   Y⁵¹ and Y⁵², in each case independently of one another, denote H or     F, and preferably one of -   Y⁵¹ and Y⁵² denotes H and the other denotes H or F, preferably     likewise denotes H.

The compounds of the formula V-3 are preferably compounds of the formula V-3a:

-   in which the parameters have the respective meanings indicated above     for formula V-1 and in which preferably -   X⁵¹ denotes F, Cl, preferably F, -   X⁵² denotes F, Cl or —OCF₃, preferably —OCF₃.

The compounds of the formula V-1a are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae V-1a-1 and V-1a-2, more preferably these compounds of the formula V consist thereof:

-   in which -   R⁵¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1), in which -   n denotes an integer in the range from 0 to 7, preferably in the     range from 1 to 5 and particularly preferably 3 or 7.

The compounds of the formula V-1 b are preferably compounds of the formula V-1 b-1:

-   in which -   R⁵¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1), in which -   n denotes an integer in the range from 0 to 15, preferably in the     range from 1 to 7 and particularly preferably 1 to 5.

The compounds of the formula V-1c are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae V-1c-1 to V-1c-4, particularly preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae V-1c-1 and V-1c-2:

-   in which -   R⁵¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1), in which -   n denotes an integer in the range from 0 to 15, preferably in the     range from 1 to 7 and particularly preferably 1 to 5.

The compounds of the formula V-1d are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae V-1d-1 and V-1d-2, particularly preferably the compound of the formula V-1d-2:

-   in which -   R⁵¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1), in which -   n denotes an integer in the range from 0 to 15, preferably in the     range from 1 to 7 and particularly preferably 1 to 5.

The compounds of the formula V-2a are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae V-2a-1 and V-2a-2, particularly preferably the compounds of the formula V-2a-1:

-   in which -   R⁵¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁵² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and in which -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 1 to 15, preferably in the range from 3 to 7 and     particularly preferably 3 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

Preferred combinations of (R⁵¹ and R⁵²), in particular in the case of formula

V-2a-1, are (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)), (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)), (CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)), (CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂).

Preferred compounds of the formula V-2b are the compounds of the formula V-2b-1:

-   in which -   R⁵¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁵² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and in which -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combination of (R⁵¹ and R⁵²) here is, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

Preferred compounds of the formula V-2c are the compounds of the formula V-2c-1:

-   in which -   R⁵¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁵² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and in which -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combination of (R⁵¹ and R⁵²) here is, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

Preferred compounds of the formula V-2d are the compounds of the formula V-2d-1:

-   in which -   R⁵¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁵² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and in which -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combination of (R⁵¹ and R⁵²) here is, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

Preferred compounds of the formula V-2e are the compounds of the formula V-2e-1:

-   in which -   R⁵¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁵² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and in which -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combination of (R⁵¹ and R⁵²) here is, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

Preferred compounds of the formula V-2f are the compounds of the formula V-2f-1:

-   in which -   R⁵¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁵² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and in which -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R⁵¹ and R⁵²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)), particularly preferably (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

Preferred compounds of the formula V-2g are the compounds of the formula V-2g-1:

-   in which -   R⁵¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁵² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and in which -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R⁵¹ and R⁵²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)), particularly preferably (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

The compounds of the formula VI are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae VI-1 to VI-5:

-   in which -   Z⁶¹ and Z⁶² denote —C≡C—, trans-CH═CH— or trans-CF═CF—, preferably     -   C≡C— or trans-CH═CH—, and the other occurring groups and         parameters have the meaning given above under formula VI, -   and preferably -   R⁶¹ and R⁶², independently of one another, denote H, unfluorinated     alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 7 C atoms or unfluorinated alkenyl     having 2 to 7 C atoms, -   X⁶² denotes F, Cl, —OCF₃ or —CN,

The compounds of the formula VI-1 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae VI-1a and VI-1b, more preferably selected from compounds of the formula VI-1a:

-   in which -   R⁶¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁶² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and in which -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R⁶¹ and R⁶²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)), in the case of formula VI-1a particularly preferably (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and in the case of formula VI-1b particularly preferably (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

The compounds of the formula VI-3 are preferably selected from the compounds of the formula VI-3a to VI-3e:

-   in which the parameters have the meaning given above under formula     VI-3 and preferably -   R⁶¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1), in which -   n denotes an integer in the range from 0 to 7, preferably in the     range from 1 to 5, and -   X⁶² denotes —F, —Cl, —OCF₃, or —CN.

The compounds of the formula VI-4 are preferably selected from compounds of the formulae VI-4a to VI-4e:

-   in which the parameters have the meaning given above under formula     VI-4 and preferably -   R⁶¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1), in which -   n denotes an integer in the range from 0 to 7, preferably in the     range from 1 to 5, and -   X⁶² denotes F, Cl, OCF₃, or —CN.

The compounds of the formula VI-5 are preferably selected from the compounds of the formula VI-5b:

-   in which the parameters have the meaning given above under formula     VI-5 and preferably -   R⁶¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1), in which -   n denotes an integer in the range from 0 to 7, preferably in the     range from 1 to 5, and -   X⁶² denotes —F, —Cl, —OCF₃, or —CN, particularly preferably —OCF₃.

The compounds of the formula VII are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae VII-1 to VII-6:

-   where the compounds of the formula VII-5 are excluded from the     compounds of the formula VII-6, and -   in which the parameters have the respective meanings indicated above     for formula VII, -   Y⁷¹, Y⁷², Y⁷³ independently from one another, denote H or F, -   and preferably -   R⁷¹ denotes unfluorinated alkyl or alkoxy, each having 1 to 7 C     atoms, or unfluorinated alkenyl having 2 to 7 C atoms, -   R⁷² denotes unfluorinated alkyl or alkoxy, each having 1 to 7 C     atoms, or unfluorinated alkenyl having 2 to 7 C atoms, -   X⁷² denotes F, Cl; NCS or —OCF₃, preferably F or NCS, and -   particularly preferably -   R⁷¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁷² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and in which -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 1 to 15, preferably in the range from 3 to 7 and     particularly preferably 3 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The compounds of the formula VII-1 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae VII-1a to VII-1d:

-   in which X⁷² has the meaning given above for formula VII-2 and -   R⁷¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1), in which -   n denotes 1 to 7, preferably 2 to 6, particularly preferably 2, 3 or     5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2, and -   X⁷² preferably denotes F.

The compounds of the formula VII-2 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae VII-2a and VII-2b, particularly preferably of the formula VII-2a:

-   in which -   R⁷¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁷² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and in which -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R⁷¹ and R⁷²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)), particularly preferably (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

The compounds of the formula VII-3 are preferably compounds of the formula VII-3a:

-   in which -   R⁷¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁷² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and in which -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R⁷¹ and R⁷²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)), particularly preferably (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

The compounds of the formula VII-4 are preferably compounds of the formula VII-4a:

-   in which -   R⁷¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁷² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and in which -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R⁷¹ and R⁷²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)), particularly preferably (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

The compounds of the formula VII-5 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae VII-5a and VII-5b, more preferably of the formula VII-5a:

-   in which -   R⁷¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁷² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and in which -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R⁷¹ and R⁷²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)), particularly preferably (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

The compounds of the formula VII-6 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae VII-6a and VII-6b:

-   in which -   R⁷¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁷² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and in which -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R⁷¹ and R⁷²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)), particularly preferably (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

The compounds of the formula VII-7 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae VII-7a and VII-7b:

-   in which -   R⁷¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), -   X⁷² denotes F, —OCF₃ or —NCS, -   n denotes an integer in the range from 0 to 15, preferably in the     range from 1 to 7 and particularly preferably 1 to 5, and, -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The compounds of the formula VIII are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae VIII-1 to VIII-3, more preferably these compounds of the formula VIII predominantly consist, even more preferably essentially consist and very particularly preferably completely consist thereof:

-   in which -   one of -   Y⁸¹ and Y⁸² denotes H and the other denotes H or F, and -   R⁸¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁸² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and in which -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 1 to 15, preferably in the range from 3 to 7 and     particularly preferably 3 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R⁸¹ and R⁸²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)), particularly preferably (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

The compounds of the formula VIII-1 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae VIII-1a to VIII-1c:

-   in which -   R⁸¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁸² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and in which -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R⁸¹ and R⁸²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)), particularly preferably (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

The compounds of the formula VIII-2 are preferably compounds of the formula VIII-2a:

-   in which -   R⁸¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁸² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and in which -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R⁸¹ and R⁸²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)), (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)), particularly preferably (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

The compounds of the formula VIII-3 are preferably compounds of the formula VIII-3a:

-   in which -   R⁸¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁸² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and in which -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R⁸¹ and R⁸²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

The compounds of the formula IX are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae IX-1 to IX-3:

-   in which the parameters have the respective meaning indicated above     under formula IX and preferably -   one of

-    denotes

-   and -   in which -   R⁹¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁹² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and in which -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 1 to 15, preferably in the range from 3 to 7 and     particularly preferably 3 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R⁹¹ and R⁹²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

The compounds of the formula IX-1 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae IX-1a to IX-1e:

-   in which the parameters have the meaning given above and preferably -   R⁹¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1), and -   n denotes an integer in the range from 0 to 15, preferably in the     range from 1 to 7 and particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   X⁹² preferably denotes F or Cl.

The compounds of the formula IX-2 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae IX-2a and IX-2b:

-   in which -   R⁹¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁹² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and in which -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combination of (R⁹¹ and R⁹²) here is, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

The compounds of the formula IX-3 are preferably compounds of the formulae IX-3a and IX-3b:

-   in which -   R⁹¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁹² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and in which -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R⁹¹ and R⁹²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)), particularly preferably (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the medium comprises one or more compounds of formula X

-   in which -   R¹⁰¹ denotes H, alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 15, preferably 3 to 10,     C atoms or unfluorinated alkenyl, unfluorinated alkenyloxy or     unfluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 15, preferably 3 to 10, C     atoms, preferably alkyl or unfluorinated alkenyl, -   R^(L), on each occurrence identically or differently, denotes H or     alkyl having 1 to 6 C atoms, preferably H, methyl or ethyl,     particularly preferably H, and -   X¹⁰¹ denotes H, F, Cl, —CN, SF₅, NCS, fluorinated alkyl or     fluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 7 C atoms or fluorinated alkenyl,     fluorinated alkenyloxy or fluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 7 C     atoms, preferably fluorinated alkoxy, fluorinated alkenyloxy, F, Cl     or NCS, particularly preferably NCS, -   Y¹⁰¹ denotes methyl, ethyl or Cl, -   Y¹⁰² denotes H, methyl, ethyl, F or Cl, preferably H or F, -   Z¹⁰¹, Z¹⁰² identically or differently, denote a single bond,     —CH═CH—, —CF═CF— or —C≡C—,

-   -   independently of one another, denote

-   -   -   preferably

-   and where

-   -   alternatively denotes,

-   -    and

-   n is 0 or 1.

Preferably, the compounds of formula X are selected from the sub-formulae X-1 and X-2

-   in which the occurring groups and parameters have the meanings given     above for formula X.

Particularly preferably, the media according to the invention comprise one or more compounds selected from the group of compounds of the formulae X-1-1 to X-1-9

Where R¹⁰¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes alkyl having 1 to 7 C atoms.

The media according to the present invention comprise one or more chiral dopants. Preferably these chiral dopants have an absolute value of the helical twisting power (HTP) in the range of from 1 μm⁻¹ to 150 μm⁻¹, preferably in the range of from 10 μm⁻¹ to 100 μm⁻¹. In case the media comprise two or more chiral dopants, these may have opposite signs of their HTP-values. This condition is preferred for some specific embodiments, as it allows for compensating the chirality of the respective compounds to some degree and, thus, may be used to compensate various temperature dependent properties of the resulting media in the devices. Generally, however, it is preferred that most, preferably all of the chiral compounds present in the media according to the present invention have the same sign of their HTP-values.

Preferably the chiral dopants present in the media according to the instant application are mesogenic compounds and most preferably they exhibit a mesophase on their own.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the medium comprises two or more chiral compounds which all have the same algebraic sign of the HTP.

The temperature dependence of the HTP of the individual compounds may be high or low. The temperature dependence of the pitch of the medium can be compensated by mixing compounds having different temperature dependencies of the HTP in corresponding ratios.

For the optically active component, a multitude of chiral dopants, some of which are commercially available, is available to the person skilled in the art, such as, for example, cholesteryl nonanoate, R- and S-811, R- and S-1011, R- and S-2011, R- and S-3011, R- and S-4011, or CB15 (all Merck KGaA, Darmstadt).

Particularly suitable dopants are compounds which contain one or more chiral groups and one or more mesogenic groups, or one or more aromatic or alicyclic groups which form a mesogenic group with the chiral group.

Suitable chiral groups are, for example, chiral branched hydrocarbon radicals, chiral ethane diols, binaphthols or dioxolanes, furthermore mono- or polyvalent chiral groups selected from the group consisting of sugar derivatives, sugar alcohols, sugar acids, lactic acids, chiral substituted glycols, steroid derivatives, terpene derivatives, amino acids or sequences of a few, preferably 1-5, amino acids.

Preferred chiral groups are sugar derivatives, such as glucose, mannose, galactose, fructose, arabinose and dextrose; sugar alcohols, such as, for example, sorbitol, mannitol, iditol, galactitol or anhydro derivatives thereof, in particular dianhydrohexitols, such as dianhydrosorbide (1,4:3,6-dianhydro-D-sorbide, isosorbide), dianhydromannitol (isosorbitol) or dianhydroiditol (isoiditol); sugar acids, such as, for example, gluconic acid, gulonic acid and ketogulonic acid; chiral substituted glycol radicals, such as, for example, mono- or oligoethylene or propylene glycols, in which one or more CH₂ groups are substituted by alkyl or alkoxy; amino acids, such as, for example, alanine, valine, phenylglycine or phenylalanine, or sequences of from 1 to 5 of these amino acids; steroid derivatives, such as, for example, cholesteryl or cholic acid radicals; terpene derivatives, such as, for example, menthyl, neomenthyl, campheyl, pineyl, terpineyl, isolongifolyl, fenchyl, carreyl, myrthenyl, nopyl, geraniyl, linaloyl, neryl, citronellyl or dihydrocitronellyl.

The media according to the present invention preferably comprise chiral dopants which are selected from the group of known chiral dopants. Suitable chiral groups and mesogenic chiral compounds are described, for example, in DE 34 25 503, DE 35 34 777, DE 35 34 778, DE 35 34 779 and DE 35 34 780, DE 43 42 280, EP 01 038 941 and DE 195 41 820. Examples are also compounds listed in Table F below.

Chiral compounds preferably used according to the present invention are selected from the group consisting of the formulae shown below.

Particular preference is given to chiral dopants selected from the group consisting of compounds of the following formulae A-I to A-III and A-Ch:

-   in which -   R^(a11), R^(a12) and R^(b12), independently of one another, denote     alkyl having 1 to 15 C atoms, in which, in addition, one or more     non-adjacent CH₂ groups may each be replaced, independently of one     another, by —C(R^(z))═C(R^(z))—, —C≡C—, —O—, —S—, —CO—, —CO—O—,     —O—CO— or —O—CO—O— in such a way that O and/or S atoms are not     linked directly to one another, and in which, in addition, one or     more H atoms may each be replaced by F, Cl, Br, I or CN,     -   preferably alkyl, more preferably n-alkyl, with the proviso that         R^(a12) is different from R^(b12), -   R^(a21) and R^(a22), independently of one another, denote alkyl     having 1 to 15 C atoms, in which, in addition, one or more     non-adjacent CH₂ groups may each be replaced, independently of one     another, by —C(R^(z))═C(R^(z))—, —C≡C—, —O—, —S—, —CO—, —CO—O—,     —O—CO— or —O—CO—O— in such a way that O and/or S atoms are not     linked directly to one another, and in which, in addition, one or     more H atoms may each be replaced by F, Cl, Br, I or CN, preferably     both are alkyl, more preferably n-alkyl, -   R^(a31), R^(a32) and R^(b32), independently of one another, denote     straight-chain or branched alkyl having 1 to 15 C atoms, in which,     in addition, one or more non-adjacent CH₂ groups may each be     replaced, independently of one another, by —C(R^(z))═C(R^(z))—,     —C≡C—, —O—, —S—, —CO—, —CO—O—, —O—CO— or —O—CO—O— in such a way that     O and/or S atoms are not linked directly to one another, and in     which, in addition, one or more H atoms may each be replaced by F,     Cl, Br, I or CN,     -   preferably alkyl, more preferably n-alkyl, with the proviso that         R^(a32) is different from R^(b32); -   R^(z) denotes H, CH₃, F, Cl, or CN, preferably H or F, -   R⁸ has one of the meanings of R^(a11) given above, preferably alkyl,     more preferably n-alkyl having 1 to 15 C atoms, -   Z⁸ denotes —C(O)O—, —CH₂O—, —CF₂O— or a single bond, preferably     —C(O)O—, -   A¹¹ is defined as A¹² below, or alternatively denotes

-   A¹² denotes

-   -   preferably

-   -   in which r is 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4;     -   L¹², on each occurrence, independently of one another, denotes         halogen, CN, or alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy or alkenyloxy having up         to 12 C atoms and in which one or more H atoms are optionally         replaced with halogen, preferably methyl, ethyl, Cl or F,         particularly preferably F.

-   A²¹ denotes

-   A²² has the meanings given for A¹² -   A³¹ has the meanings given for A¹,     -   alternatively denotes

-   A³² has the meanings given for A¹², -   n2 on each occurrence, identically or differently, is 0, 1 or 2, and -   n3 is 1, 2 or 3.

Particular preference is given to dopants selected from the group consisting of the compounds of the following formulae:

-   in which -   m is, on each occurrence, identically or differently, an integer     from 1 to 9 and -   n is, on each occurrence, identically or differently, an integer     from 2 to 9.

Particularly preferred compounds of formula A are compounds of formula A-III.

Further preferred dopants are derivatives of the isosorbide, isomannitol or isoiditol of the following formula A-IV:

-   in which the group

-   preferably dianhydrosorbitol, -   and chiral ethane diols, such as, for example, diphenylethanediol     (hydrobenzoin), in particular mesogenic hydrobenzoin derivatives of     the following formula A-V:

-   including the (S,S) enantiomers, which are not shown, -   in which

-   -   are each, independently of one another, 1,4-phenylene, which may         also be mono-, di- or trisubstituted by L, or 1,4-cyclohexylene,

-   L is H, F, Cl, CN or optionally halogenated alkyl, alkoxy,     alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl or alkoxycarbonyloxy having 1-7 carbon     atoms,

-   c is 0 or 1,

-   X is CH₂ or —C(O)—,

-   Z⁰ is —COO—, —OCO—, —CH₂CH₂— or a single bond, and

-   R⁰ is alkyl, alkoxy, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl or     alkylcarbonyloxy having 1-12 carbon atoms.

Examples of compounds of formula A-IV are:

Wherein R^(IV) has the meaning of R⁰

The compounds of the formula A-IV are described in WO 98/00428. The compounds of the formula A-V are described in GB-A-2,328,207.

Very particularly preferred dopants are chiral binaphthyl derivatives, as described in WO 02/94805, chiral binaphthol acetal derivatives, as described in WO 02/34739, chiral TADDOL derivatives, as described in WO 02/06265, and chiral dopants having at least one fluorinated bridging group and a terminal or central chiral group, as described in WO 02/06196 and WO 02/06195.

Particular preference is given to chiral compounds of the formula A-VI

-   in which -   X¹, X², Y¹ and Y² are each, independently of one another, F, Cl, Br,     I, CN, SCN, SF₅, straight-chain or branched alkyl having from 1 to     25 carbon atoms, which is monosubstituted or polysubstituted by F,     Cl, Br, I or CN and in which, in addition, one or more non-adjacent     CH₂ groups may each, independently of one another, be replaced by     —O—, —S—, —NH—,     -   NR⁰—, —CO—, —COO—, —OCO—, —OCOO—, —S—CO—, —CO—S—, —CH═CH— or         —C≡C— in such a way that O and/or S atoms are not bonded         directly to one another, a polymerisable group or cycloalkyl or         aryl having up to 20 carbon atoms, which may optionally be         monosubstituted or polysubstituted by halogen, preferably F, or         by a polymerisable group, -   R⁰ is H or alkyl having 1 to 12 C atoms -   x¹ and x² are each, independently of one another, 0, 1 or 2, -   y¹ and y² are each, independently of one another, 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, -   B¹ and B² are each, independently of one another, an aromatic or     partially or fully saturated aliphatic six-membered ring in which     one or more CH groups may each be replaced by N atoms and one or     more non-adjacent CH₂ groups may each be replaced by O and/or S, -   W¹ and W² are each, independently of one another,     —Z¹-A¹-(Z²-A²)_(m)-R, and one of the two is alternatively R¹ or A³,     but both are not simultaneously H, or

-   -   is

-   U¹ and U² are each, independently of one another, CH₂, O, S, CO or     CS, -   V¹ and V² are each, independently of one another, (CH₂)_(n), in     which from one to four non-adjacent CH₂ groups may each be replaced     by O or S, and one of V¹ and V² and, in the case where

-   -   is

-   -   both are a single bond,

-   n is 1, 2 or 3,

-   Z¹ and Z² are each, independently of one another, —O—, —S—, —CO—,     —COO—, —OCO—, —O—COO—, —CO—NR⁰—, —NR⁰—CO—, —O—CH₂—, —CH₂—O—,     —S—CH₂—, —CH₂—S—, —CF₂—O—, —O—CF₂—, —CF₂—S—, —S—CF₂—, —CH₂—CH₂—,     —CF₂—CH₂—, —CH₂—CF₂—, —CF₂—CF₂—, —CH═N—, —N═CH—, —N═N—, —CH═CH—,     —CF═CH—, —CH═CF—, —CF═CF—, —C≡C—, a combination of two of these     groups, where no two O and/or S and/or N atoms are bonded directly     to one another, (preferably —CH═CH—COO—, or —COOCH═CH—), or a single     bond,

-   A¹, A² and A³ are each, independently of one another, 1,4-phenylene,     in which one or two non-adjacent CH groups may be replaced by N,     1,4-cyclohexylene, in which one or two non-adjacent CH₂ groups may     be replaced by O and/or S, 1,3-dioxolane-4,5-diyl,     1,4-cyclohexenylene, 1,4-bicyclo[2.2.2]octylene,     piperidine-1,4-diyl, naphthalene-2,6-diyl,     decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl or     1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl, where each of these groups     is monosubstituted or polysubstituted by L, and in addition A¹ can     be a single bond,

-   L is a halogen atom, preferably F, CN, NO₂, alkyl, alkoxy,     alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl or alkoxycarbonyloxy having 1-7 carbon     atoms, in which one or more H atoms may each be replaced by F or Cl,

-   m is in each case, independently, 0, 1, 2 or 3, and

-   R and R¹ are each, independently of one another, H, F, Cl, Br, I,     CN, SCN, SF₅, straight-chain or branched alkyl having from 1 or 3 to     25 carbon atoms respectively, which may optionally be     monosubstituted or polysubstituted by F, Cl, Br, I or CN, and in     which one or more non-adjacent CH₂ groups may each be replaced by     —O—, —S—, —NH—, —NR₀—, —CO—, —COO—, —OCO—, —O—COO—, —S—CO—, —CO—S—,     —CH═CH— or —C≡C—, where no two O and/or S atoms are bonded directly     to one another, or a polymerisable group.

Particular preference is given to chiral binaphthyl derivatives of the formula A-VI-1

-   in which ring B, R⁰ and Z⁰ are as defined for the formulae A-IV and     A-V, and b is 0, 1, or 2, -   in particular those selected from the following formulae A-VI-1a to     A-VI-1c:

-   in which Z⁰ is as defined for the formula A-VI-1, and -   R⁰ as defined for formula A-IV or H or alkyl having from 1 to 4     carbon atoms, and -   and Z⁰ is, in particular, is preferably —OC(O)— or a single bond.

The concentration of the one or more chiral dopant(s), in the LC medium is preferably in the range from 0.001% to 20%, preferably from 0.05% to 5%, more preferably from 0.1% to 2%, and, most preferably from 0.5% to 1.5%. These preferred concentration ranges apply in particular to the chiral dopant S-4011 or R-4011 (both from Merck KGaA) and for chiral dopants having the same or a similar HTP. For Chiral dopants having either a higher or a lower absolute value of the HTP compared to S-4011 these preferred concentrations have to be decreased, respectively increased proportionally according to the ratio of their HTP values relatively to that of S-4011.

The pitch p of the LC media or host mixtures according to the invention is preferably in the range of from 5 to 50 μm, more preferably from 8 to 30 m and particularly preferably from 10 to 20 μm.

Preferably, the media according to the invention, comprise a stabiliser selected from the group of compounds of the formulae ST-1 to ST-18.

-   in which -   R^(ST) denotes H, an alkyl or alkoxy radical having 1 to 15 C atoms,     where, in addition, one or more CH₂ groups in these radicals may     each be replaced, independently of one another, by —C≡C—, —CF₂O—,     —OCF₂—, —CH═CH—, -⋄-, -⋄⋄-, —O—, —CO—O—, —O—CO— in such a way that O     atoms are not linked directly to one another, and in which, in     addition, one or more H atoms may be replaced by halogen,

-   -   denotes

-   Z^(ST) each, independently of one another, denote —CO—O—, —O—CO—,     —CF₂O—, —OCF₂—, —CH₂O—, —OCH₂—, —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —(CH₂)₄—,     —CH═CH—CH₂O—, —C₂F₄—, —CH₂CF₂—, —CF₂CH₂—, —CF═CF—, —CH═CF—, —CF═CH—,     —CH═CH—, —C≡C— or a single bond, -   L¹ and L² each, independently of one another, denote F, Cl, CF₃ or     CHF₂, -   p is 1 or 2, -   q is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10.

Of the compounds of the formula ST, special preference is given to the compounds of the formulae

-   in which n=1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, preferably n=1 or 7

-   in which n=1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, preferably n=3

-   in which n=1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, preferably n=3

In the compounds of the formulae ST-3a and ST-3b, n preferably denotes 3. In the compounds of the formula ST-2a, n preferably denotes 7.

Very particularly preferred mixtures according to the invention comprise one or more stabilisers from the group of the compounds of the formulae ST-2a-1, ST-3a-1, ST-3b-1, ST-8-1, ST-9-1 and ST-12:

The compounds of the formulae ST-1 to ST-18 are preferably each present in the liquid-crystal mixtures according to the invention in amounts of 0.005-0.5%, based on the mixture.

If the mixtures according to the invention comprise two or more compounds from the group of the compounds of the formulae ST-1 to ST-18, the concentration correspondingly increases to 0.01-1% in the case of two compounds, based on the mixtures.

However, the total proportion of the compounds of the formulae ST-1 to ST-18, based on the mixture according to the invention, should not exceed 2%.

The compounds according to the present invention can be synthesized by or in analogy to known methods described in the literature (for example in the standard works such as Houben-Weyl, Methoden der Organischen Chemie [Methods of Organic Chemistry], Georg-Thieme-Verlag, Stuttgart), under reaction conditions which are known and suitable for said reactions. Use may also be made here of variants which are known per se, but are not mentioned here. In particular, they can be prepared as described in or in analogy to the following reaction schemes. Further methods for preparing the inventive compounds can be taken from the examples.

Other mesogenic compounds which are not explicitly mentioned above can optionally and advantageously also be used in the media in accordance with the present invention. Such compounds are known to the person skilled in the art.

Preferably, the total concentration of the one or more compounds of formula C in the medium is in the range of from 5% to 50%, preferably from 10% to 40% and particularly preferably from 15% to 30%.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the total concentration of compounds of formula C in the liquid-crystalline medium is 10% or more, preferably 15% or more, and particularly preferably 20% or more.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the liquid-crystalline media preferably comprise in total 5% to 35%, preferably 10% to 32% and particularly preferably 20% to 30% of compounds of formula T.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the liquid-crystalline medium comprises in total 30% or less, preferably 15% or less and particularly preferably 10% or less compounds of formula T.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the liquid-crystalline medium comprises in total 30% or more, preferably 40% or more and particularly preferably 50% or more compounds of formula I, preferably selected from the group of compounds of the I-1, I-2 and I-3, particularly preferably selected from the compounds of the formulae I-2 and I-3.

Preferably, the proportion of the compounds if formula I-1 in the medium is 20% or less, more preferably 15% or less, particularly preferably 10% or less and very particularly preferably 5% or less.

In a preferred embodiment, the medium comprises one or more compounds of formula I-2 in a total concentration in the range of from 5% to 25%, more preferably from 7% to 25%, and particularly preferably from 10% to 20%.

In another preferred embodiment, the medium comprises one or more compounds of formula I-2 in a total concentration of 10% or less, preferable of 5% or less and particularly preferably of 2% or less.

In a preferred embodiment, the total concentration of the compounds of formula I-3 in the media according to the present invention is in the range of from 5% to 50%, more preferably from 10% to 40%, and particularly preferably from 15% to 35%.

In a preferred embodiment, the total concentration of the compounds of formula I-3 in the media according to the present invention is 20% or more, more preferably 25% or more and particularly preferably 30% or more.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the medium comprises one or more compounds of formula II and/or II-1A, preferably II-1 and/or II-1-A1, in a total concentration of 5% to 35%, more preferably 10% to 30%, particularly preferably 15% to 25%.

Preferably, the medium comprises one or more the compounds of the formula P(2)TU-n-S.

Preferably, the medium comprises one or more the compounds of the formula II-1.

Preferably, the medium comprises either one or more the compounds of the formula P(2)TU-n-S or one or more compounds of the formula II-1.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the medium comprises one or more compounds of formula II-1 in a total concentration of 25% or less, more preferably 20% or less, particularly preferably 15% or less, very particularly preferably 10% or less.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the medium comprises one or more compounds of formula III, preferably III-1, very preferably of formula III-1b in a total concentration of 2% to 30%, more preferably 5% to 25%, very preferably 10% to 25%, and in particular 10% to 20%.

Further preferred embodiments of the present invention, taken alone or in combination with one another, are as follows, wherein some compounds are abbreviated using the acronyms given in Table C:

-   -   The medium comprises one or more compounds of formula C and one         or more compounds of formula T     -   The medium comprises one or more compounds of formula T-1;     -   The medium comprises one or more compounds of formula T-2;     -   The medium comprises one or more compounds of formula T-1 and         T-2;     -   The medium comprises one or more compounds of formula T-1 and/or         T-2 and one or more compounds of formula I and/or II and/or III;     -   The medium comprises one or more compounds of formula III-1;     -   The medium comprises two or more compounds of formula T-1;     -   The medium comprises two or more compounds of formula T-2;     -   The medium comprises the compound PPU-TO-S;     -   The medium comprises one or more compounds of formula C and one         or more compounds of formula III-1, in particular of formula C         and of formula III-1b, preferably in a total concentration in         the range of from 20 to 65%, more preferably 30 to 60%, very         preferably from 30 to 55%, and particularly preferably from 35         to 50%;     -   The medium comprises one or more compounds of formula C and one         or more compounds of formula I-3, preferably in a total         concentration in the range of from 20 to 65%, more preferably         from 30 to 60%, particularly preferably from 45 to 55%;     -   The medium comprises one or more compounds of formula I-3b,         preferably the compounds CPU-2-S and/or CPU-4-S;     -   The medium comprises one or more compounds of formula I-3b and         formula II-1b, preferably the compounds CPU-2-S and/or CPU-4-S         and PTU-3-S and/or PTU-4-S and/or PTU-5-S;     -   The medium comprises one or more compounds of formula PPTU-n-S         in an total concentration in the range of from 10 to 20%;     -   The medium comprises one or more compounds of formula PTPU-n-S         in an total concentration in the range of from 10 to 20%;     -   The medium comprises one or more compounds of formula PPTU-n-S         and PGTU-n-S in an total concentration in the range of from 15         to 25%;     -   The medium comprises one or more compounds of formula ST-3,         preferably ST-3a and/or ST-3b, particularly preferably ST-3b-1,         in a total concentration in the range of from 0.01 to 1%,         preferably from 0.05 to 0.5%, particularly from 0.10 to 0.15%.

The liquid-crystal media in accordance with the present invention preferably have a clearing point of 90° C. or more, more preferably 100° C. or more, more preferably 110° C. or more, still more preferably 120° C. or more, more preferably 130° C. or more, particularly preferably 140° C. or more and very particularly preferably 150° C. or more.

The liquid-crystal media in accordance with the present invention preferably have a clearing point of 210° C. or less, more preferably 200° C. or less, particularly preferably 190° C. or less, and very particularly preferably 180° C. or less.

The nematic phase of the media according to the invention preferably extends at least from 00° C. or less to 90° C. or more. It is advantageous for the media according to the invention to exhibit even broader nematic phase ranges, preferably at least from −10° C. or less to 120° C. or more, very preferably at least from −20° C. or less to 140° C. or more and in particular at least from −30° C. or less to 150° C. or more, very particularly preferably at least from −40° C. or less to 170° C. or more.

The Δε of the liquid-crystal medium according to the present invention, at 1 kHz and 20° C., is preferably 5 or more, more preferably 10 or more and very preferably 12 or more.

The Δn of the liquid-crystal media according to the present invention, at 589 nm (NaD) and 20° C., is preferably in the range from 0.200 to 0.90, more preferably in the range from 0.250 to 0.90, even more preferably in the range from 0.300 to 0.85 and very particularly preferably in the range from 0.350 to 0.800.

In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the Δn of the liquid-crystal media in accordance with the present invention is preferably 0.50 or more, more preferably 0.55 or more.

The compounds of the formulae I to III in each case include dielectrically positive compounds having a dielectric anisotropy of greater than 3, dielectrically neutral compounds having a dielectric anisotropy of less than 3 and greater than −1.5 and dielectrically negative compounds having a dielectric anisotropy of −1.5 or less.

The compounds of the formulae I, II and III are preferably dielectrically positive.

Herein, the expression dielectrically positive describes compounds or components where Δε>3.0, dielectrically neutral describes those where −1.5<Δε<3.0 and dielectrically negative describes those where Δε<−1.5. As is determined at a frequency of 1 kHz and at 20° C. The dielectric anisotropy of the respective compound is determined from the results of a solution of 10% of the respective individual compound in a nematic host mixture. If the solubility of the respective compound in the host mixture is less than 10%, the concentration is reduced to 5%. The capacitances of the test mixtures are determined both in a cell having homeotropic alignment and in a cell having homogeneous alignment. The cell thickness of both types of cells is approximately 20 μm. The voltage applied is a rectangular wave having a frequency of 1 kHz and an effective value of typically 0.5 V to 1.0 V, but it is always selected to be below the capacitive threshold of the respective test mixture.

Δε is defined as (ε_(∥)−ε_(⊥)), while ε_(ave). is (ε_(∥)+2ε_(⊥))/3.

The host mixture used for dielectrically positive compounds is mixture ZLI-4792 and that used for dielectrically neutral and dielectrically negative compounds is mixture ZLI-3086, both from Merck KGaA, Germany. The absolute values of the dielectric constants of the compounds are determined from the change in the respective values of the host mixture on addition of the compounds of interest. The values are extrapolated to a concentration of the compounds of interest of 100%.

Components having a nematic phase at the measurement temperature of 20° C. are measured as such, all others are treated like compounds.

The expression threshold voltage in the present application refers to the optical threshold and is quoted for 10% relative contrast (V₁₀), and the expression saturation voltage refers to the optical saturation and is quoted for 90% relative contrast (V₉₀), in both cases unless expressly stated otherwise. The capacitive threshold voltage (V₀), also called the Freedericks threshold (V_(Fr)), is only used if expressly mentioned.

The parameter ranges indicated in this application all include the limit values, unless expressly stated otherwise.

The different upper and lower limit values indicated for various ranges of properties in combination with one another give rise to additional preferred ranges.

Herein, the following conditions and definitions apply, unless expressly stated otherwise. All concentrations are quoted in percent by weight and relate to the respective mixture as a whole, all temperatures are quoted in degrees Celsius and all temperature differences are quoted in differential degrees. All physical properties are determined in accordance with “Merck Liquid Crystals, Physical Properties of Liquid Crystals”, Status November 1997, Merck KGaA, Germany, and are quoted for a temperature of 20° C., unless expressly stated otherwise. The optical anisotropy (Δn) is determined at a wavelength of 589.3 nm. The dielectric anisotropy (Δε) is determined at a frequency of 1 kHz. The threshold voltages, as well as all other electro-optical properties, are determined using test cells produced at Merck KGaA, Germany. The test cells for the determination of Δε have a cell thickness of approximately 20 μm. The electrode is a circular ITO electrode having an area of 1.13 cm² and a guard ring. The orientation layers are SE-1211 from Nissan Chemicals, Japan, for homeotropic orientation (ε_(∥)) and polyimide AL-1054 from Japan Synthetic Rubber, Japan, for homogeneous orientation (ε_(⊥)). The capacitances are determined using a Solatron 1260 frequency response analyser using a sine wave with a voltage of 0.3 V_(rms). The light used in the electro-optical measurements is white light. A set-up using a commercially available DMS instrument from Autronic-Melchers, Germany, is used here. The characteristic voltages have been determined under perpendicular observation. The threshold (V₁₀), mid-grey (V₅₀) and saturation (V₉₀) voltages have been determined for 10%, 50% and 90% relative contrast, respectively.

The liquid-crystalline media are investigated with respect to their properties in the microwave frequency range as described in A. Penirschke et al. “Cavity Perturbation Method for Characterization of Liquid Crystals up to 35 GHz”, 34^(th) European Microwave Conference-Amsterdam, pp. 545-548. Compare in this respect also A. Gaebler et al. “Direct Simulation of Material Permittivities . . . ”, 12MTC 2009 International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference, Singapore, 2009 (IEEE), pp. 463-467, and DE 10 2004 029 429 A, in which a measurement method is likewise described in detail.

The liquid crystal is introduced into a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or quartz capillary. The capillary has an inner diameter of 0.5 mm and an outer diameter of 0.78 mm. The effective length is 2.0 cm. The filled capillary is introduced into the centre of the cylindrical cavity with a resonance frequency of 19 GHz. This cavity has a length of 11.5 mm and a radius of 6 mm. The input signal (source) is then applied, and the frequency depending response of the cavity is recorded using a commercial vector network analyser (N5227A PNA Microwave Network Analyzer, Keysight Technologies Inc. USA. For other frequencies, the dimensions of the cavity are adapted correspondingly.

The change in the resonance frequency and the Q factor between the measurement with the capillary filled with the liquid crystal and the measurement without the capillary filled with the liquid crystal is used to determine the dielectric constant and the loss angle at the corresponding target frequency by means of equations 10 and 11 in the above-mentioned publication A. Penirschke et al., 34^(th) European Microwave Conference-Amsterdam, pp. 545-548, as described therein.

The values for the components of the properties perpendicular and parallel to the director of the liquid crystal are obtained by alignment of the liquid crystal in a magnetic field. To this end, the magnetic field of a permanent magnet is used. The strength of the magnetic field is 0.35 tesla.

Preferred components are phase shifters, varactors, wireless and radio wave antenna arrays, matching circuit adaptive filters and others.

Herein, the term “compounds” is taken to mean both one compound and a plurality of compounds, unless expressly stated otherwise.

The liquid-crystal media according to the invention preferably have nematic phases in preferred ranges given above. The expression have a nematic phase here means on the one hand that no smectic phase and no crystallisation are observed at low temperatures at the corresponding temperature and on the other hand that no clearing occurs on heating from the nematic phase. At high temperatures, the clearing point is measured in capillaries by conventional methods. The investigation at low temperatures is carried out in a flow viscometer at the corresponding temperature and checked by storage of bulk samples: The storage stability in the bulk (LTS) of the media according to the invention at a given temperature T is determined by visual inspection. 2 g of the media of interest are filled into a closed glass vessel (bottle) of appropriate size placed in a refrigerator at a predetermined temperature. The bottles are checked at defined time intervals for the occurrence of smectic phases or crystallisation. For every material and at each temperature two bottles are stored. If crystallisation or the appearance of a smectic phase is observed in at least one of the two correspondent bottles the test is terminated and the time of the last inspection before the one at which the occurrence of a higher ordered phase is observed is recorded as the respective storage stability. The test is finally terminated after 1000 h, i.e an LTS value of 1000 h means that the mixture is stable at the given temperature for at least 1000 h.

The liquid crystals employed preferably have a positive dielectric anisotropy. This is preferably 2 or more, preferably 4 or more, particularly preferably 6 or more and very particularly preferably 10 or more.

Furthermore, the liquid-crystal media according to the invention are characterised by high anisotropy values in the microwave range. The birefringence at about 19 GHz is, for example, preferably 0.14 or more, particularly preferably 0.15 or more, particularly preferably 0.20 or more, particularly preferably 0.25 or more and very particularly preferably 0.30 or more. In addition, the birefringence is preferably 0.80 or less.

The dielectric anisotropy in the microwave range is defined as Δε_(r)=(ε_(r,∥)−ε_(r,⊥))

The tunability (τ) is defined as τ≡(Δε_(r)/ε_(r,∥)).

The material quality (1) is defined as η=(τ/tan δ_(εr,max)), where

-   the maximum dielectric loss is     tan δ_(εr,max)=max·{tan δ_(εr,⊥);tan δ_(εr,∥)}.

The material quality (η) of the preferred liquid-crystal materials is 6 or more, preferably 8 or more, preferably 10 or more, preferably 15 or more, preferably 17 or more, preferably 20 or more, particularly preferably 25 or more and very particularly preferably 30 or more.

In the corresponding components, the preferred liquid-crystal materials have phase shifter qualities of 15°/dB or more, preferably 20°/dB or more, preferably 30°/dB or more, preferably 40°/dB or more, preferably 50°/dB or more, particularly preferably 80°/dB or more and very particularly preferably 100°/dB or more.

In some embodiments, however, liquid crystals having a negative value of the dielectric anisotropy can also advantageously be used.

The liquid crystals employed are either individual substances or mixtures. They preferably have a nematic phase.

The term “alkyl” preferably encompasses straight-chain and branched alkyl groups having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, in particular the straight-chain groups methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl and heptyl. Groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms are generally preferred.

The term “alkenyl” preferably encompasses straight-chain and branched alkenyl groups having 2 to 15 carbon atoms, in particular the straight-chain groups. Particularly preferred alkenyl groups are C₂- to C₇-1E-alkenyl, C₄- to C₇-3E-alkenyl, C₅- to C₇-4-alkenyl, C₆- to C₇-5-alkenyl and C₇-6-alkenyl, in particular C₂- to C₇-1E-alkenyl, C₄- to C₇-3E-alkenyl and C₅- to C₇-4-alkenyl. Examples of further preferred alkenyl groups are vinyl, 1E-propenyl, 1E-butenyl, 1E-pentenyl, 1E-hexenyl, 1E-heptenyl, 3-butenyl, 3E-pentenyl, 3E-hexenyl, 3E-heptenyl, 4-pentenyl, 4Z-hexenyl, 4E-hexenyl, 4Z-heptenyl, 5-hexenyl, 6-heptenyl and the like. Groups having up to 5 carbon atoms are generally preferred.

The term “fluoroalkyl” preferably encompasses straight-chain groups having a terminal fluorine, i.e. fluoromethyl, 2-fluoroethyl, 3-fluoropropyl, 4-fluorobutyl, 5-fluoropentyl, 6-fluorohexyl and 7-fluoroheptyl. However, other positions of the fluorine are not excluded.

The term “oxaalkyl” or “alkoxyalkyl” preferably encompasses straight-chain radicals of the formula C_(n)H_(2n+1)—O—(CH₂)_(m), in which n and m each, independently of one another, denote 1 to 10. Preferably, n is 1 and m is 1 to 6.

Compounds containing a vinyl end group and compounds containing a methyl end group have low rotational viscosity.

In the present application, high-frequency technology means applications of electromagnetic radiation having frequencies in the range of from 1 MHz to 1 THz, preferably from 1 GHz to 500 GHz, more preferably 2 GHz to 300 GHz, particularly preferably from about 5 GHz to 150 GHz.

The liquid-crystal media in accordance with the present invention may comprise further additives and chiral dopants in the usual concentrations. The total concentration of these further constituents is in the range from 0% to 10%, preferably 0.1% to 6%, based on the mixture as a whole. The concentrations of the individual compounds used are each preferably in the range from 0.1% to 3%. The concentration of these and similar additives is not taken into consideration when quoting the values and concentration ranges of the liquid-crystal components and liquid-crystal compounds of the liquid-crystal media in this application.

Preferably the media according to the present invention comprise one or more chiral compounds as chiral dopants in order to adjust their cholesteric pitch. Their total concentration in the media according to the instant invention is preferably in the range 0.05% to 15%, more preferably from 1% to 10% and most preferably from 2% to 6%.

Optionally the media according to the present invention may comprise further liquid crystal compounds in order to adjust the physical properties. Such compounds are known to the expert. Their concentration in the media according to the instant invention is preferably 0% to 30%, more preferably 0.1% to 20% and most preferably 1% to 15%.

The response times are given as rise time (τ_(on)) for the time for the change of the relative tuning, respectively of the relative contrast for the electro-optical response, from 0% to 90% (τ₉₀−τ₀), i.e. including the delay time (τ₁₀−τ₀), as decay time (τ_(off)) for the time for the change of the relative tuning, respectively of the relative contrast for the electro-optical response, from 100% back to 10% (τ₁₀₀−τ₁₀) and as the total response time (τ_(total)=τ_(on)+τ_(off)), respectively.

The liquid-crystal media according to the invention consist of a plurality of compounds, preferably 3 to 30, more preferably 4 to 20 and very preferably 4 to 16 compounds. These compounds are mixed in a conventional manner. In general, the desired amount of the compound used in the smaller amount is dissolved in the compound used in the larger amount. If the temperature is above the clearing point of the compound used in the higher concentration, it is particularly easy to observe completion of the dissolution process. It is, however, also possible to prepare the media in other conventional ways, for example using so-called pre-mixes, which can be, for example, homologous or eutectic mixtures of compounds, or using so-called “multibottle” systems, the constituents of which are themselves ready-to-use mixtures.

All temperatures, such as, for example, the melting point T(C,N) or T(C,S), the transition from the smectic (S) to the nematic (N) phase T(S,N) and the clearing point T(N,I) of the liquid crystals, are quoted in degrees Celsius. All temperature differences are quoted in differential degrees.

In the present invention and especially in the following examples, the structures of the mesogenic compounds are indicated by means of abbreviations, also referred to as acronyms. In these acronyms, the chemical formulae are abbreviated as follows using Tables A to D below. All groups C_(n)H_(2n+1), C_(m)H_(2m+1) and C_(l)H_(2l+1) or C_(n)H_(2n−1), C_(m)H_(2m−1) and C_(l)H_(2l−1) denote straight-chain alkyl or alkenyl, preferably 1-E-alkenyl, respectively, in each case having n, m or I C atoms. Table A lists the codes used for the ring elements of the core structures of the compounds, while Table B shows the linking groups. Table C gives the meanings of the codes for the left-hand or right-hand end groups. Table D shows illustrative structures of compounds with their respective abbreviations.

TABLE A Ring elements

C

D

DI

A

AI

P

P(n, m)

G

GI

U

UI

Y

M

MI

N

NI

Np

N3f

N3fl

tH

tHI

tH2f

tH2fl

dH

K

KI

L

LI

F

FI

P(o)

PI(o)

P(i3)

PI(ic3)

P(t4)

PI(t4)

P(c3)

PI(c3)

P(c4)

PI(c4)

P(c5)

PI(c5)

P(e5)

PI(e5)

P(c6)

PI(c6)

P(e6)

PI(e6)

GI(o) in which o = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6

G(o) in which o = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6

GI(i3)

G(i3)

GI(t4)

G(t4)

GI(c3)

G(c3)

GI(c4)

G(c4)

GI(c5)

G(c5)

GI(e5)

G(e5)

GI(c6)

G(c6)

GI(e6)

G(e6)

Np(1, 4)

TABLE B Linking groups E —CH₂CH₂— Z —CO—O— V —CH═CH— ZI —O—CO— X —CF═CH— O —CH₂—O— XI —CH═CF— OI —O—CH₂— B —CF═CF— Q —CF₂—O— T —C≡C— QI —O—CF₂— W —CF₂CF₂— End groups Left-hand side Right-hand side Used alone -n- C_(n)H_(2n+1)— -n —C_(n)H_(2n+1) -nO- C_(n)H_(2n+1)—O— -On —O—C_(n)H_(2n+1) -V- CH₂═CH— -V —CH═CH₂ -nV- C_(n)H_(2n+1)—CH═CH— -nV —C_(n)H_(2n)—CH═CH₂ -Vn- CH₂═CH—C_(n)H_(2n+1)— -Vn —CH═CH—C_(n)H_(2n+1) -nVm- C_(n)H_(2n+1)—CH═CH—C_(m)H_(2m)— -nVm —C_(n)H_(2n)—CH═CH—C_(m)H_(2m+1) -N- N≡C— -N —C≡N -S- S═C═N— -S —N═C═S -F- F— -F —F -CL- Cl— -CL —Cl -M- CFH₂— -M —CFH₂ -D- CF₂H— -D —CF₂H -T- CF₃— -T —CF₃ -MO- CFH₂O— -OM —OCFH₂ -DO- CF₂HO— -OD —OCF₂H -TO- CF₃O— -OT —OCF₃ -FXO- CF₂═CH—O— -OXF —O—CH═CF₂ -A- H—C≡C— -A —C≡C—H -nA- C_(n)H_(2n+1)—C≡C— -An —C≡C—C_(n)H_(2n+1) -NA- N≡C—C≡C— -AN —C≡C—C≡N Used in combination with others - . . . A . . . - —C≡C— - . . . A . . . —C≡C— - . . . V . . . - —CH═CH— - . . . V . . . —CH═CH— - . . . Z . . . - —CO—O— - . . . Z . . . —CO—O— - . . . ZI . . . - —O—CO— - . . . ZI . . . —O—CO— - . . . K . . . - —CO— - . . . K . . . —CO— - . . . W . . . - —CF═CF— - . . . W . . . —CF═CF— in which n and m each denote integers, and the three dots “. . .” are placeholders for other abbreviations from this table.

The following table shows illustrative structures together with their respective abbreviations. These are shown in order to illustrate the meaning of the rules for the abbreviations. They furthermore represent compounds which are preferably used.

TABLE C Illustrative structures The following illustrative structures are compounds, which are preferably additionally used in the media:

PG-n-S

PU-n-S

PPG-n-S

PGG-n-S

PPU-n-S

GGP-n-S

PGU-n-S

CPG-n-S

CGG-n-S

CPU-n-S

CGU-n-S

PVG-n-S

PVU-n-S

PTG-n-S

PTU-n-S

P(2)TU-n-S

PI(2)TU-n-S

PTP(1)-n-S

PTP(1,1)-n-S

PTU-Vn-OT

PPTG-n-S

PGTG-n-S

PPTU-n-S

PTPU-n-S

CPTU-n-S

PTPI(c3)TU-n-F

PTPI(2)WU-n-F

PTPI(2)GU-n-F

PTG(c3)TU-n-F

PTN(1,4)TP-n-F

PGP-n-m

PGP-F-OT

PGP-n-mV

PGP-n-mVI

PYP-n-m

GGP-n-F

GGP-n-CL

GGP-n-m

PGIGI-n-F

PGIGI-n-CL

PGU-n-F

PGU-n-CL

PGU-n-OT

PPU-T-S

PPU-TO-S

PPTUI-n-m

PPTY-n-m

PGGP-n-m

PGIGP-n-m

PGIGP-n-Om

PGIGP-nO-m

PYGP-n-m

GGPP-n-m

PPGU-n-F

PPGU-Vn-F

CPTP-n-m

CPPC-n-m

CGPC-n-m

CCZPC-n-m

CPGP-n-m

CPGP-n-mV

CPGP-n-mVI

CGU-n-F

CCPU-n-F

CCGU-n-F

CPGU-n-F

CPGU-n-OT

PUQU-n-F

PGUQU-n-F

DPGU-n-F

DPGU-n-OT

APGP-n-m

The following table, Table E, shows illustrative compounds which can be used as stabiliser in the mesogenic media in accordance with the present invention. The total concentration of these and similar compounds in the media is preferably 5% or less.

TABLE E

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mesogenic media comprise one or more compounds selected from the group of the compounds from Table E.

The following table, Table F, shows illustrative compounds which can preferably be used as chiral dopants in the mesogenic media in accordance with the present invention. In each case only one enantiomer is shown.

TABLE F

C 15

CB 15

CM 21

CM 44

CM 45

CM 47

CC

CN

R/S- 811

R/S- 1011

R/S- 2011

R/S- 3011

R/S- 4011

R/S- 5011

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mesogenic media comprise one or more compounds selected from the group of the compounds of Table F.

The mesogenic media in accordance with the present application preferably comprise two or more, preferably four or more, compounds selected from the group consisting of the compounds from the above tables.

The liquid-crystal media in accordance with the present invention preferably comprise

-   -   seven or more, preferably eight or more, compounds, preferably         compounds having three or more, preferably four or more,         different formulae, selected from the group of the compounds         from Table D.

Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, using the preceding description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The preceding preferred specific embodiments are, therefore, to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever.

In the foregoing and in the examples, all temperatures are set forth uncorrected in degrees Celsius and, all parts and percentages are by weight, unless otherwise indicated.

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications, cited herein and of corresponding European application No. 18172666.2, filed May 16, 2018, are incorporated by reference herein.

EXAMPLES

The following examples illustrate the present invention without limiting it in any way.

However, it is clear to the person skilled in the art from the physical properties what properties can be achieved and in what ranges they can be modified. In particular, the combination of the various properties which can preferably be achieved is thus well defined for the person skilled in the art.

MIXTURE EXAMPLES

The comparative liquid-crystal mixtures C1 and C2 and liquid-crystal mixtures N1 to N61 having the compositions and properties as indicated in the following tables are prepared and characterized with respect to their general physical properties and their applicability in microwave components at 19 GHz and 20° C.

Comparative Mixture Example C1

PTU-3-S 6.0% T_((N, I)•)[° C.]: 163.5 PTU-5-S 10.0% Δε (1 kHz, 20° C.): 14.9 PPTU-4-S 6.0% ε_(∥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 18.7 PPTU-5-S 10.0% ε_(⊥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 3.8 CPU-2-S 26.0% γ₁ [mPa · s], (20° C.): 477 CPU-4-S 20.0% K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 14.9 PPU-TO-S 22.0% K₃ [pN], (20° C.): 24.7 Σ 100.0% V₀ [V], (20° C.): 1.06 τ (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.311 ε_(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 3.5709 ε_(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 2.4609 tan δ_(εr, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0060 tan δ_(εr, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0101 η (20° C., 19 GHz): 30.8

Comparative Mixture Example C2

PPTU-4-S 6.0% T_((N, I)•)[° C.]: 163.5 PPTU-5-S 12.0% Δε (1 kHz, 20° C.): 14.9 CPU-2-S 26.0% ε_(∥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 18.7 CPU-4-S 20.0% ε_(⊥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 3.8 PPU-TO-S 28.0% γ₁ [mPa · s], (20° C.): 477 P(2)TU-5-S 8.0% K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 14.9 Σ 100.0% K₃ [pN], (20° C.): 24.7 V₀ [V], (20° C.): 1.06 τ (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.312 ε_(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 3.5741 ε_(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 2.4594 tan δ_(εr, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0058 tan δ_(ε) _(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0095 η (20° C., 19 GHz): 32.8

Mixture N1

PPTU-4-S 6.0% T_((N, I)•)[° C.]: 162.0 PPTU-5-S 10.0% Δε (1 kHz, 20° C.): 14.6 CPU-2-S 26.0% ε_(∥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 18.4 PPU-TO-S 28.0% ε_(⊥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 3.8 CPTU-4-S 20.0% γ₁ [mPa · s], (20° C.): 511 P(2)TU-5-S 10.0% K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 14.4 Σ 100.0% K₃ [pN], (20° C.): 25.0 V₀ [V], (20° C.): 1.05 LTS bulk [h], (−30° C.): 1000 LTS bulk [h], (−40° C.): 408 τ (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.323 ε_(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 3.5643 ε_(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 2.4135 tan δ_(εr, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0055 tan δ_(εr, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0089 η (20° C., 19 GHz): 36.3

Mixture N1 differs from comparative mixture C2 in that the compound CPU-4-S has been replaced with the compound CPTU-4-S according to the invention. Surprisingly, this results in a higher clearing temperature and an increase in the material quality r from 32.8 to 36.3 due to a higher tunability and lower dielectric loss.

Mixture N2

PPTU-4-S 6.0% T_((N, I)•)[° C.]: 164.5 PPTU-5-S 10.0% Δε (1 kHz, 20° C.): 11.2 CPU-2-S 26.0% ε_(∥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 15.0 PPU-TO-S 26.0% ε_(⊥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 3.8 CPTU-4-S 14.0% γ₁ [mPa · s], (20° C.): 513 CPTU-3V-S 8.0% K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 14.9 P(2)TU-5-S 10.0% K₃ [pN], (20° C.): 25.6 Σ 100.0% V₀ [V], (20° C.): 1.05 LTS bulk [h], (−30° C.): 1000 LTS bulk [h], (−40° C.): 1000 τ (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.321 ε_(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 3.5786 ε_(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 2.4309 tan δ_(εr, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0055 tan δ_(εr, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0089 η (20° C., 19 GHz): 36.1

Mixture N2 differs from comparative mixture C2 in that the compound CPU-4-S has been replaced with the compounds CPTU-4-S and CPTU-3V-S according to the invention. This results in an increase in the material quality r from 32.8 to 36.1 due to a higher tunability and lower dielectric loss.

Mixture N3

PTU-5-S 10.0% T_((N, I)•)[° C.]: 173.0 PPTU-4-S 6.0% Δε (1 kHz, 20° C.): 16.0 PPTU-5-S 10.0% ε_(∥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 19.8 CPU-2-S 26.0% ε_(⊥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 3.8 PPU-TO-S 24.0% γ₁ [mPa · s], (20° C.): 480 CPTU-4-S 16.0% K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 16.0 CPTU-3V-S 8.0% K₃ [pN], (20° C.): 26.8 Σ 100.0% V₀ [V], (20° C.): 1.05 LTS bulk [h], (−20° C.): 408 LTS bulk [h], (−30° C.): 336 τ (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.327 ε_(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 3.6022 ε_(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 2.4245 tan δ_(εr, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0056 tan δ_(εr, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0092 η (20° C., 19 GHz): 35.5

Mixture N4

PPTU-4-S 6.0% T_((N, I)•)[° C.]: 192.5 PPTU-5-S 10.0% Δε (1 kHz, 20° C.): 16.6 CPU-2-S 26.0% ε_(∥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 19.3 CPU-4-S 10.0% ε_(⊥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 3.7 PPU-TO-S 24.0% γ₁ [mPa · s], (20° C.): 561 CPTU-4-S 16.0% K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 16.4 CPTU-3V-S 8.0% K₃ [pN], (20° C.): 28.8 Σ 100.0% τ (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.323 ε_(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 3.5705 ε_(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 2.4176 tan δ_(εr, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0053 tan δ_(εr, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0086 η (20° C., 19 GHz): 37.6

The liquid-crystal medium N4 has an extremely high clearing temperature and excellent tunability in combination with a very low dielectric loss. The material quality is significantly improved from 30.8 to 37.6 compared to the medium C1.

Mixture N5

PTU-3-S 10.0% T_((N, I)•)[° C.]: 157.0 PTU-5-S 10.0% Δε (1 kHz, 20° C.): 16.5 PPTU-4-S 6.0% ε_(∥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 20.4 PPTU-5-S 10.0% ε_(⊥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 3.9 CPU-2-S 16.0% γ₁ [mPa · s], (20° C.): 413 PPU-TO-S 24.0% K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 15.7 CPTU-4-S 16.0% K₃ [pN], (20° C.): 24.4 CPTU-3V-S 8.0% V₀ [V], (20° C.): 1.03 Σ 100.0% LTS bulk [h], (−20° C.): 1000 LTS bulk [h], (−30° C.): 504 τ (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.330 ε_(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 3.6276 ε_(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 2.4291 tan δ_(εr, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0059 tan δ_(εr, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0100 η (20° C., 19 GHz): 33.0

Mixture N6

PTU-3-S 10.0% T_((N, I)•)[° C.]: 156.0 PTU-5-S 10.0% Δε (1 kHz, 20° C.): 17.5 PPTU-4-S 6.0% ε_(∥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 21.5 PPTU-5-S 12.0% ε_(⊥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 4.0 PGU-3-S 14.0% γ₁ [mPa · s], (20° C.): 445 PPU-TO-S 28.0% K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 16.6 CPTU-4-S 20.0% K₃ [pN], (20° C.): 25.3 Σ 100.0% V₀ [V], (20° C.): 1.03 LTS bulk [h], (−30° C.): 1000 LTS bulk [h], (−40° C.): 1000 τ (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.342 ε_(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 3.6922 ε_(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 2.4308 tan δ_(εr, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0061 tan δ_(εr, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0107 η (20° C., 19 GHz): 32.0

Mixture N7

PPTU-4-S 6.0% T_((N, I)•)[° C.]: 164.0 PPTU-5-S 12.0% Δn (589.2 nm, 20° C.): 0.364 CPU-2-S 28.0% CPU-4-S 18.0% CPTU-4-S 16.0% CPTU-3V-S 8.0% P(2)TU-5-S 12.0% Σ 100.0%

Mixture N8

PTU-3-S 9.0% T_((N, I)•)[° C.]: 164.0 PTU-5-S 9.0% Δn (589.2 nm, 20° C.): 0.378 PPTU-4-S 6.0% PPTU-4-S 12.0% CPU-2-S 25.0% CPU-4-S 15.0% CPTU-4-S 16.0% CPTU-3V-S 8.0% Σ 100.0%

The liquid-crystalline media according to the invention exhibit high clearing temperatures in combination with very good LTS and excellent microwave-application relevant properties, i.e. high tunability, low dielectric loss and high material quality.

As mentioned above, in a preferred embodiment the media according to the present invention comprise a stabiliser.

The following Mixtures N9 to N16 are obtained from the mixtures N1 to N8 using the stabiliser ST-3b-1 in the amounts given in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Mixture Example Host Mixture c(ST-3b-1) [%] N9 N1 0.12 N10 N2 0.90 N11 N3 0.10 N12 N4 0.11 N13 N5 0.12 N14 N6 0.13 N15 N7 0.10 N16 N8 0.10

The following Mixtures N17 to N24 are obtained from the mixtures N1 to N8 using the stabiliser ST-3a-1 in the amounts given in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Mixture Example Host Mixture c(ST-3b-1) [%] N17 N1 0.12 N18 N2 0.90 N19 N3 0.10 N20 N4 0.11 N21 N5 0.12 N22 N6 0.13 N23 N7 0.10 N24 N8 0.10

The following Mixtures N25 to N32 are obtained from the mixtures N1 to N8 using the stabilisers ST-3a-1 and ST-8-1 in the amounts given in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Mixture Example Host Mixture c(ST-3b-1) [%] c(ST-8-1) [%] N25 N1 0.12 0.050 N26 N2 0.90 0.050 N27 N3 0.10 0.050 N28 N4 0.11 0.025 N29 N5 0.12 0.020 N30 N6 0.13 0.075 N31 N7 0.10 0.075 N32 N8 0.10 0.075

The following Mixtures N33 to N40 are obtained from the mixtures N1 to N8 using the stabilises ST-3b-1 and ST-16 in the amounts given in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Mixture Example Host Mixture c(ST-3b-1) [%] C(ST-16) [%] N33 N1 0.12 0.025 N34 N2 0.90 0.050 N35 N3 0.10 0.075 N36 N4 0.11 0.075 N37 N5 0.12 0.075 N38 N6 0.13 0.10 N39 N7 0.10 0.10 N40 N8 0.10 0.15

Mixture N41

ST-3b-1 0.12 T_((N, I)•)[° C.]: 161.5 PPTU-4-S 5.99 Δε (1 kHz, 20° C.): 14.6 PPTU-5-S 9.99 ε_(∥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 18.4 CPU-2-S 25.97 ε_(⊥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 3.8 PPU-TO-S 27.96 γ₁ [mPa s], (20° C.): 511 P(2)TU-5-S 9.99 K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 14.4 CPTU-4-S 19.98 K₃ [pN], (20° C.): 25.0 Σ 100.0 K₃/K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 1.74 V₀ [V], (20° C.): 1.05 LTS bulk [h], (−30° C.): 1000 LTS bulk [h], (−40° C.): 384 τ (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.323 ε_(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 3.5643 ε_(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 2.4135 tan δ_(εr, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0055 tan δ_(εr, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0089 η (20° C., 19 GHz): 36.3

Mixture N42

ST-3b-1 0.12 T_((N, I)) [° C.]: 155.5 PTU-3-S 9.99 Δε (1 kHz, 20° C.): 17.5 PTU-5-S 9.99 ε_(∥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 21.5 PPTU-4-S 5.99 ε_(⊥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 4.0 PPTU-5-S 11.99 γ₁ [mPa s], (20° C.): 445 PGU-3-S 13.98 K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 16.6 PPU-TO-S 27.96 K₃ [pN], (20° C.): 25.3 CPTU-4-S 19.98 K₃/K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 1.52 Σ 100.0 V₀ [V], (20° C.): 1.03 LTS bulk [h], (−30° C.): 1000 τ (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.338 ε_(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 3.7190 ε_(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 2.4626 tan δ_(ε) _(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0063 tan δ_(εr, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0110 η (20° C., 19 GHz): 30.7

Mixture N43

PPTU-4-S 6.0 T_((N, I)) [° C.]: 164.5 PPTU-5-S 10.0 Δn [589 nm, 20° C.]: CPU-2-S 26.0 n_(e) [589 nm, 20° C.]: PPU-TO-S 26.0 n_(o) [589 nm, 20° C.]: CPTU-4-S 14.0 Δε (1 kHz, 20° C.): 11.2 CPTU-3V-S 8.0 ε_(∥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 15.0 P(2)TU-5-S 10.0 ε_(⊥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 3.8 Σ 100.0 γ₁ [mPa s], (20° C.): 513 K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 14.9 K₃ [pN], (20° C.): 25.6 K₃/K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 1.72 V₀ [V], (20° C.): 1.05 LTS bulk [h], (−30° C.): 1000 LTS bulk [h], (−40° C.): 1000 τ (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.321 ε_(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 3.5786 ε_(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 2.4309 tan δ_(εr, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0055 tan δ_(εr, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0089 η (20° C., 19 GHz): 36.1

Mixture N44

PTU-3-S 10.0 T_((N, I)) [° C.]: 157 PTU-5-S 10.0 Δε (1 kHz, 20° C.): 16.5 PPTU-4-S 6.0 ε_(∥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 20.4 PPTU-5-S 10.0 ε_(⊥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 3.9 CPU-2-S 16.0 γ₁ [mPa s], (20° C.): 413 PPU-TO-S 24.0 K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 15.7 CPTU-4-S 16.0 K₃ [pN], (20° C.): 24.4 CPTU-3V-S 8.0 K₃/K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 1.55 Σ 100.0 V₀ [V], (20° C.): 1.03 LTS bulk [h], (−20° C.): 1000 LTS bulk [h], (−30° C.): 504 τ (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.330 ε_(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 3.6276 ε_(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 2.4291 tan δ_(εr, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0059 tan δ_(εr, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0100 η (20° C., 19 GHz): 33.0

Mixture N45

PTU-5-S 10.0 T_((N, I)) [° C.]: 173 PPTU-4-S 6.0 Δε (1 kHz, 20° C.): 16.0 PPTU-5-S 10.0 ε_(∥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 19.8 CPU-2-S 26.0 ε_(⊥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 3.8 PPU-TO-S 24.0 γ₁ [mPa s], (20° C.): 480 CPTU-4-S 16.0 K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 16.0 CPTU-3V-S 8.0 K₃ [pN], (20° C.): 26.8 Σ 100.0 K₃/K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 1.68 V₀ [V], (20° C.): 1.05 LTS bulk [h], (−20° C.): 408 LTS bulk [h], (−30° C.): 336 τ (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.327 ε_(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 3.6022 ε_(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 2.4245 tan δ_(εr, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0056 tan δ_(εr, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0092 η (20° C., 19 GHz): 35.5

Mixture N46

PPTU-4-S 6.0 T_((N, I)) [° C.]: 192.5 PPTU-5-S 10.0 Δε (1 kHz, 20° C.): 15.6 CPU-2-S 26.0 ε_(∥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 19.3 CPU-4-S 10.0 ε_(⊥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 3.7 PPU-TO-S 24.0 γ₁ [mPa s], (20° C.): 561 CPTU-4-S 16.0 K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 16.4 CPTU-3V-S 8.0 K₃ [pN], (20° C.): 28.8 Σ 100.0 K₃/K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 1.76 V₀ [V], (20° C.): 1.08 LTS bulk [h], (−30° C.): 24 τ (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.323 ε_(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 3.5705 ε_(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 2.4176 tan δ_(εr, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0053 tan δ_(εr, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0086 η (20° C., 19 GHz): 37.6

Mixture N47

PPTU-4-S 6.0 T_((N, I)) [° C.]: 162 PPTU-5-S 10.0 Δε (1 kHz, 20° C.): 14.6 CPU-2-S 26.0 ε_(∥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 18.4 PPU-TO-S 28.0 ε_(⊥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 3.8 CPTU-4-S 20.0 γ₁ [mPa s], (20° C.): 511 P(2)TU-5-S 10.0 K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 14.4 Σ 100.0 K₃ [pN], (20° C.): 25.0 K₃/K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 1.73 V₀ [V], (20° C.): 1.05 LTS bulk [h], (−30° C.): 1000 LTS bulk [h], (−40° C.): 408 τ (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.323 ε_(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 3.5643 ε_(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 2.4135 tan δ_(εr, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0055 tan δ_(εr, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0089 η (20° C., 19 GHz): 36.3

Mixture N48

PTU-3-S 10.0 T_((N, I)) [° C.]: 156 PTU-5-S 10.0 Δε (1 kHz, 20° C.): 17.5 PPTU-4-S 6.0 ε_(∥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 21.5 PPTU-5-S 12.0 ε_(⊥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 4.0 PGU-3-S 14.0 γ₁ [mPa s], (20° C.): 445 PPU-TO-S 28.0 K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 16.6 CPTU-4-S 20.0 K₃ [pN], (20° C.): 25.3 Σ 100.0 K₃/K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 1.52 V₀ [V], (20° C.): 1.03 LTS bulk [h], (−30° C.): 1000 LTS bulk [h], (−40° C.): 1000 τ (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.342 ε_(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 3.6922 ε_(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 2.4308 tan δ_(εr, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0061 tan δ_(εr, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0107 η (20° C., 19 GHz): 32.0

Mixture N49

ST-3b-1 0.12 T_((N, I)) [° C.]: 155.5 PTU-3-S 9.99 Δε (1 kHz, 20° C.): 17.5 PTU-5-S 9.99 ε_(∥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 21.5 PPTU-4-S 5.99 ε_(⊥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 4.0 PPTU-5-S 11.99 γ₁ [mPa s], (20° C.): 445 PGU-3-S 13.98 K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 16.6 PPU-TO-S 27.96 K₃ [pN], (20° C.): 25.3 CPTU-4-S 19.98 K₃/K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 1.52 Σ 100.0 V₀ [V], (20° C.): 1.03 LTS bulk [h], (−30° C.): 1000 τ (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.338 ε_(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 3.7190 ε_(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 2.4626 tan δ_(εr, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0063 tan δ_(εr, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0110 η (20° C., 19 GHz): 30.7

Mixture N50

PPTU-4-S 6.0 T_((N, I)) [° C.]: 159.5 PPTU-5-S 12.0 Δn [589 nm, 20° C.]: CPU-2-S 20.0 n_(e) [589 nm, 20° C.]: PPU-TO-S 28.0 n_(o) [589 nm, 20° C.]: CPTU-4-S 22.0 Δε (1 kHz, 20° C.): P(2)TU-5-S 12.0 ε_(∥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): Σ 100.0 ε_(⊥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): γ₁ [mPa s], (20° C.): 508 LTS bulk [h], (−30° C.): 1000 τ (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.323 ε_(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 3.5925 ε_(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 2.4335 tan δ_(εr, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0055 tan δ_(εr, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0089 η (20° C., 19 GHz): 36.3

Mixture N51

ST-3b-1 0.12 T_((N, I)) [° C.]: 161.5 PPTU-4-S 5.99 Δε (1 kHz, 20° C.): 14.6 PPTU-5-S 9.99 ε_(∥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 18.4 CPU-2-S 25.97 ε_(⊥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 3.8 PPU-TO-S 27.96 γ₁ [mPa s], (20° C.): 511 P(2)TU-5-S 9.99 K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 14.4 CPTU-4-S 19.98 K₃ [pN], (20° C.): 25.0 Σ 100.0 K₃/K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 1.74 V₀ [V], (20° C.): 1.05 LTS bulk [h], (−30° C.): 1000 LTS bulk [h], (−40° C.): 384 τ (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.323 ε_(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 3.5643 ε_(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 2.4135 tan δ_(εr, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0055 tan δ_(εr, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0089 η (20° C., 19 GHz): 36.3

Mixture N52

PPTU-4-S 6.0 T_((N, I)) [° C.]: 159.1 PPTU-5-S 10.0 Δε (1 kHz, 20° C.): 14.0 PPU-TO-S 28.0 ε_(∥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 17.7 CPTU-3-S 7.0 ε_(⊥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 3.7 CPTU-4-S 13.0 γ₁ [mPa s], (20° C.): 564 CPTU-5-S 20.0 K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 15.0 P(2)TU-5-S 16.0 K₃ [pN], (20° C.): 24.9 Σ 100.0 K₃/K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 1.66 V₀ [V], (20° C.): 1.09 LTS bulk [h], (−20° C.): 96 LTS bulk [h], (−30° C.): 144 τ (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.331 ε_(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 3.6173 ε_(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 2.4198 tan δ_(εr, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0052 tan δ_(εr, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0084 η (20° C., 19 GHz): 39.4

Mixture N53

PTU-3-S 12.0 T_((N, I)) [° C.]: 146.5 PTU-5-S 12.0 Δε (1 kHz, 20° C.): 16.1 PPTU-4-S 6.0 ε_(∥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 20.0 PPTU-5-S 12.0 ε_(⊥) (1 kHz, 20° C.): 3.9 PPU-TO-S 24.0 K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 15.7 CPTU-4-S 14.0 K₃ [pN], (20° C.): 24.0 CPTU-5-S 20.0 K₃/K₁ [pN], (20° C.): 1.53 Σ 100.0 V₀ [V], (20° C.): 1.04 τ (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.332 ε_(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 3.6389 ε_(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 2.4296 tan δ_(εr, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0060 tan δ_(εr, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0101 η (20° C., 19 GHz): 32.9

Mixture N54

PTU-3-S 10.0 τ (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.329 PTU-5-S 10.0 ε_(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 3.6726 PPTU-4-S 6.0 ε_(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 2.4635 PPTU-5-S 12.0 tan δ_(εr, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0057 PPU-TO-S 28.0 tan δ_(εr, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0096 CPTU-4-S 10.0 η (20° C., 19 GHz): 34.3 CPTU-5-S 14.0 CPTU-6-S 10.0 Σ 100.0

Mixture N55

PTU-5-S 10.0 T_((N, I)) [° C.]: 143 PPTU-4-S 6.0 τ (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.327 PPTU-5-S 12.0 ε_(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 3.7049 PGU-3-S 14.0 ε_(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 2.4917 PPU-TO-S 28.0 tan δ_(εr, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0056 CPTU-4-S 20.0 tan δ_(εr, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0100 PTP(1,1)-4-S 10.0 η (20° C., 19 GHz): 32.7 Σ 100.0

Mixture N56

PTU-3-S 10.0 T_((N, I)) [° C.]: 156 PTU-5-S 10.0 τ (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.339 PPTU-4-S 6.0 ε_(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 3.6866 PPTU-5-S 12.0 ε_(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 2.4356 PGU-3-S 14.0 tan δ_(εr, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0061 PPU-TO-S 28.0 tan δ_(εr, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0108 CPTU-4-S 8.0 η (20° C., 19 GHz): 31.4 CPTU-5-S 12.0 Σ 100.0

Mixture N57

PTU-3-S 10.0 T_((N, I)) [° C.]: 156.5 PTU-5-S 11.0 τ (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.337 PPTU-4-S 6.0 ε_(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 3.6905 PPTU-5-S 10.0 ε_(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 2.4484 PGU-3-S 14.0 tan δ_(εr, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0059 PPU-TO-S 22.0 tan δ_(εr, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0106 CPTU-4-S 10.0 η (20° C., 19 GHz): 31.8 CPTU-5-S 17.0 Σ 100.0

Mixture N58

PTU-3-S 10.0 T_((N, I)) [° C.]: 157 PTU-5-S 10.0 τ (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.342 PPTU-4-S 6.0 ε_(r, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 3.7408 PPTU-5-S 10.0 ε_(r, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 2.4605 PGU-3-S 14.0 tan δ_(εr, ∥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0061 PPU-TO-S 22.0 tan δ_(εr, ⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz): 0.0110 CPTU-4-S 8.0 η (20° C., 19 GHz): 31.1 CPTU-5-S 12.0 PPTU-TO-S 8.0 Σ 100.0

Mixture N59

PTU-3-S 10.0 PTU-5-S 10.0 PTPU-4-S 6.0 PPTU-5-S 12.0 PGU-3-S 14.0 PPU-TO-S 28.0 CPTU-4-S 8.0 CPTU-5-S 12.0 Σ 100.0

Mixture N60

PTU-3-S 10.0 PTU-5-S 10.0 PPTU-4-S 6.0 PTPU-5-S 12.0 PGU-3-S 14.0 PPU-TO-S 28.0 CPTU-4-S 8.0 CPTU-5-S 12.0 Σ 100.0

Mixture N61

PTU-3-S 10.0 PTU-5-S 10.0 PTPU-4-S 6.0 PTPU-5-S 12.0 PGU-3-S 14.0 PPU-TO-S 28.0 CPTU-4-S 8.0 CPTU-5-S 12.0 Σ 100.0

The preceding examples can be repeated with similar success by substituting the generically or specifically described reactants and/or operating conditions of this invention for those used in the preceding examples.

From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A liquid crystal medium, comprising at least one compound of formula C

in which R^(C) denotes H, unfluorinated alkyl or unfluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 12 C atoms, or unfluorinated alkenyl, unfluorinated alkenyloxy or unfluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 12 C atoms, in which alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy or alkoxy-alkyl one or more CH₂-groups may be replaced by

L^(C1), L^(C2) identically or differently, denote H, Cl or F, R^(C1), R^(C2), R^(C3), R^(C4), R^(C5), and R^(C6) identically or differently, denote H, F, Cl, or alkyl having 1 to 6 C atoms, or cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl or cyclopentyl; and one or more compounds of I or II,

and at least one compound of formula III-1

in which R¹ denotes H, unfluorinated alkyl or unfluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 17 C atoms, or unfluorinated alkenyl, unfluorinated alkenyloxy or unfluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 15 C atoms, in which alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy or alkoxy-alkyl one or more CH₂-groups may be replaced by

n is 0, 1 or 2,

on each occurrence, independently of one another, denote

in which R^(L), on each occurrence identically or differently, denotes H or alkyl having 1 to 6 C atoms, and wherein

alternatively denotes

R² denotes H, unfluorinated alkyl or unfluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 17 C atoms, or unfluorinated alkenyl, unfluorinated alkenyloxy or unfluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 15 C atoms, in which one or more CH₂-groups may be replaced by

Z²¹ denotes trans-CH═CH—, trans-CF═CF— or —C≡C—, and

independently of one another, denote

in which R^(L), on each occurrence identically or differently, denotes H or alkyl having 1 to 6 C atoms; R³ denotes H, unfluorinated alkyl or unfluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 17 C atoms, or unfluorinated alkenyl, unfluorinated alkenyloxy or unfluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 15 C atoms, in which one or more CH₂-groups may be replaced by

one of Z³¹ and Z³², denotes trans-CH═CH—, trans-CF═CF— or —C≡C— and the other one, independently thereof, denotes —C≡C—, trans-CH═CH—, trans-CF═CF— or a single bond, and

independently of one another, denote

in which R^(L), on each occurrence identically or differently, denotes H or alkyl having 1 to 6 C atoms, and wherein

alternatively denotes

the liquid crystal medium also comprising 10 to 32% by weight of one or more compounds of formula T

in which R^(T) denotes halogen, CN, NCS, R^(F), R^(F)—O— or R^(F)—S—, wherein R^(F) denotes fluorinated alkyl or fluorinated alkenyl having 2 to 12 C atoms,

on each occurrence, independently of one another, denote

L¹ and L² identically or differently, denote Cl, F, alkyl having 1 to 6 C atoms or cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl or cyclopentyl, and t is 0, 1 or 2 wherein the one or more compounds of formula C and one or more compounds of formula III-1 are present in the medium in an amount of 35 to 50%.
 2. The liquid-crystal medium according to claim 1, wherein the medium has a clearing temperature of 90° C. or more.
 3. The liquid-crystal medium according to claim 1, wherein the medium has a birefringence at 20° C. and 598.3 nm of 0.300 or more.
 4. The liquid-crystal medium according to claim 1, wherein the medium comprises a compound of formula I where n is 0, in a total concentration of 10% or less.
 5. The liquid-crystal medium according to claim 1, wherein the compounds of formula T are of the formulae T-1 or T-2 or mixtures thereof

n is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7,

are as defined in claim
 1. 6. The liquid-crystal medium according to claim 5, wherein the medium comprises one or more compounds of the formula T-1 in which n is
 1. 7. The liquid-crystal medium according to claim 1, wherein the compound of formula I is of formula I-1 to I-5

in which L¹, L² and L³ on each occurrence, identically or differently, denote H or F,

are as defined in claim
 1. 8. The liquid-crystal medium according to claim 1, wherein the compound of formula II is of formulae II-1 to II-3

wherein R²,

and are as defined in claim
 1. 9. The liquid-crystal medium according to claim 8, wherein the medium comprises one or more compounds of formula II-1 in a total concentration of 25% or less.
 10. The liquid-crystal medium according to claim 1, wherein the medium additionally comprises one or more chiral compounds.
 11. The liquid-crystal medium according to claim 10, wherein the one or more chiral compounds are chiral dopants of the formulae A-I, A-II, A-III or A-Ch:

in which R^(a11), R^(a12) and R^(b12), independently of one another, denote alkyl having 1 to 15 C atoms, in which, in addition, one or more non-adjacent CH₂ groups may each be replaced, independently of one another, by —C(R^(z))═C(R^(z))—, —C≡C—, —O—, —S—, —CO—, —CO—O—, —O—CO— or —O—CO—O— in such a way that O and/or S atoms are not linked directly to one another, and in which, in addition, one or more H atoms may be replaced by F, Cl, Br, I or CN, with the proviso that R^(a12) is different from R^(b12) R^(a21) and R^(a22), independently of one another, denote alkyl having 1 to 15 C atoms, in which, in addition, one or more non-adjacent CH₂ groups may each be replaced, independently of one another, by —C(R^(z))═C(R^(z))—, —C≡C—, —O—, —S—, —CO—, —CO—O—, —O—CO— or —O—CO—O— in such a way that O and/or S atoms are not linked directly to one another, and in which, in addition, one or more H atoms may be replaced by F, Cl, Br, I or CN, R^(a31), R^(a32) and R^(b32), independently of one another, denote C₁₋₁₅ straight-chain or C₂₋₁₅ branched alkyl, in which, in addition, one or more non-adjacent CH₂ groups may each be replaced, independently of one another, by —C(R^(z))═C(R^(z))—, —C≡C—, —O—, —S—, —CO—, —CO—O—, —O—CO— or —O—CO—O— in such a way that O and/or S atoms are not linked directly to one another, and in which, in addition, one or more H atoms may be replaced by F, Cl, Br, I or CN, with the proviso that R^(a32) is different from R^(b32); R^(z) denotes H, CH₃, F, Cl, or CN, R⁸ has one of the meanings of Ra11, Z⁸ denotes —C(O)O—, CH₂O, CF₂O or a single bond, A¹¹ is independently defined as A′² below, or alternatively denotes

A¹² denotes

in which r is 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4; L¹², on each occurrence, independently of one another, denotes halogen, CN, C₁₋₁₂-alkyl, C₂₋₁₂-alkenyl, C₁₋₁₂-alkoxy or C₂₋₁₂-alkenyloxy and in which one or more H atoms are optionally replaced with halogen; A²¹ denotes

A²² independently has the meanings given for A¹² A³¹ independently has the meanings given for A¹¹, alternatively denotes

A³² independently has the meanings given for A¹² n2 on each occurrence, identically or differently, is 0, 1 or 2, and n3 is 1, 2 or
 3. 12. A high-frequency technology component comprising in said component the liquid crystal medium according to claim
 1. 13. The component according to claim 12, wherein the component is suitable for operation in the microwave range.
 14. The component according to claim 12, wherein the component is a liquid-crystal based antenna element, a phase shifter, a tunable filter, a tunable metamaterial structure, a matching network or a varactor.
 15. A microwave antenna array, comprising one or more components according to claim
 12. 16. A liquid crystal lens or a liquid crystal wavefront corrector, comprising a liquid-crystal medium according to claim
 1. 17. A process for the preparation of a liquid-crystal medium according to claim 1, comprising mixing one or more compounds of formula C with one or more compounds of formula T and III-1 and optionally with one or more compounds of formula I and/or II and optionally additional mesogenic compounds; and optionally adding a chiral compound. 